Archergate

Archergate License SDK

Archergate offers a comprehensive solution for machine-bound software licensing, catering specifically to indie developers. It empowers creators of VST plugins, Unity assets, Blender addons, desktop applications, and more by providing reliable protection against unauthorized redistribution. The SDK is designed to be integrated with ease, featuring a seamless setup process that takes approximately 30 minutes.

Key Features

• Hardware-locked Licensing: Each license key is securely tied to the machine it was activated on, ensuring that shared files do not work on any unauthorized systems.
• Offline Validation: After an initial online validation, licenses are cached for 30 days, permitting use even without internet access. This feature is particularly beneficial for developers whose users may work in locations with unreliable connectivity, such as remote studios or traveling musicians.
• Built-in Trial Functionality: Users can enjoy a hassle-free 14-day trial without needing to create an account or provide personal information.
• Tamper Detection: The SDK employs advanced mechanisms like HMAC-signed cache files and validation receipts to thwart unauthorized modifications and counterfeit attempts.
• Self-hosted Server Option: A reference validation server is included, allowing developers to deploy it as a single self-contained binary with no external dependencies.

Supported Platforms

Archergate is versatile and adapts to various development environments:

• Audio Plugin Developers: Compatible with VST3, AU, and AAX formats.
• Game Developers: Protect assets and mods across different platforms, including Unity and Blender.
• Desktop Application Developers: Works seamlessly with Tauri, Electron, Qt, and native Cocoa applications.
• Adobe Extension Developers: Supports integration with popular Adobe software such as Premiere and After Effects.

Example Usage

Integrating Archergate into a project can be done using the following examples:

Rust Integration:

use archergate_license::LicenseClient;

let client = LicenseClient::new("your-api-key", "com.you.app");
client.validate("XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX")?;

C Integration:

#include "archergate_license.h"

AgLicenseClient* c = ag_license_new("your-api-key", "com.you.app");
int rc = ag_license_validate(c, license_key);
if (rc != AG_OK) {
    printf("License error: %s\n", ag_license_error_string(rc));
}
ag_license_free(c);

C++ RAII Wrapper:

#include "archergate_license.h"

archergate::License license("your-api-key", "com.you.app");
license.validate(license_key);
// Memory is automatically cleaned when the license object goes out of scope.

REST API Usage:

POST /validate
Content-Type: application/json

{
    "license_key": "XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX",
    "machine_fingerprint": "sha256-of-cpu-and-os",
    "plugin_id": "com.you.app"
}

Conclusion

Archergate offers a robust and flexible licensing solution that allows indie developers to protect their software without the complications and fees often associated with enterprise solutions. By utilizing Archergate, developers can focus on creating great software while ensuring their products remain secure and properly licensed.