Why are vendors turning to activation?
Software piracy became a lot easier once ordinary users could easily burn CDs, and file-sharing services are also contributing to the problem. This has made companies more willing to face the potential rancor of users. Software vendors hope product activation will reduce mass copying by professionals, as well as casual copying one user passing on a CD to a friend, which is actually considered the bigger problem by many in the industry. The Business Software Alliance (BSA), a digital-rights enforcement organization, has published a list of “best practices” for companies using product activation. Since a vendor’s implementation of activation can make or break a good user experience, BSA member companies try to follow these best practices, which include anonymity, full disclosure of information, ease of use, and quality tech support.
