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Business Branches

Computer App Licensing Branch

The App Licensing Branch lets you distribute your software through subscription-based licensing with automated key management, trial periods, and user access controls.

Setting Up App Licensing

Application Definition

For each licensed application, configure:

  • Application name and description — What your software does and who it’s for
  • Version information — Current version number and release notes
  • Platform requirements — Supported operating systems and hardware requirements
  • Screenshots and media — Visuals that demonstrate your application

License Configuration

Define your licensing model:

Model Description
Subscription Recurring monthly or annual licenses with automatic renewal
Perpetual One-time purchase with lifetime access to a specific version
Tiered Multiple license levels (Basic, Pro, Enterprise) with different feature sets
Per-seat Pricing based on number of users or installations

License Key Management

Distancer.ai handles license infrastructure automatically:

  • Key generation — Unique license keys issued at purchase
  • Activation tracking — Monitor how many devices a key is active on
  • Device limits — Set maximum simultaneous activations per license
  • Revocation — Deactivate keys for refunds or violations

Trial Periods

Offer prospective customers a try-before-you-buy experience:

  • Duration — Set trial length (7 days, 14 days, 30 days, or custom)
  • Feature restrictions — Optionally limit functionality during trial
  • Conversion flow — Automatic prompts to purchase when the trial expires
  • No credit card required — Optionally allow trials without payment information

Pricing Configuration

Subscription Plans

Create multiple subscription tiers:

  • Plan name and description — What’s included at each level
  • Billing cycle — Monthly, annual, or both (with annual discount)
  • Price — Per-plan pricing
  • Feature flags — Control which application features each plan unlocks

One-Time Purchases

For perpetual licenses:

  • Set a single price per license tier
  • Optionally include a period of free updates (e.g., 1 year of updates included)
  • Offer upgrade pricing for existing customers moving to a higher tier

Customer Experience

When a customer purchases a license:

  1. They browse your application page with descriptions, screenshots, and pricing
  2. They select a license tier and billing cycle
  3. They complete Stripe checkout
  4. They receive a license key and download instructions immediately
  5. They activate the license in your application

For trial users:

  1. They sign up for a trial on your application page
  2. They receive a trial license key and download link
  3. They use the application with any trial restrictions applied
  4. Before expiration, they’re prompted to convert to a paid license

Managing Licenses

Your dashboard provides:

  • Active licenses — All current subscribers and perpetual license holders
  • Trial conversions — Track how many trial users become paying customers
  • License usage — See activation counts and device information per key
  • Revenue metrics — MRR (Monthly Recurring Revenue), churn rate, and growth trends
  • Renewal tracking — Upcoming renewals and expiring subscriptions

Integration with Your Application

To validate licenses in your software, you’ll integrate with the Distancer.ai licensing API:

  • License validation endpoint — Check whether a key is valid and active
  • Feature entitlement check — Query which features a license tier unlocks
  • Activation/deactivation — Register and release device activations
  • Webhook notifications — Receive real-time events for purchases, renewals, cancellations, and expirations

Documentation for API integration is provided when you create an App Licensing Branch.

Best Practices

  • Offer a trial. Software trials dramatically increase conversion rates — let users experience the value before paying.
  • Keep tier differences clear. Customers should immediately understand what they get at each level.
  • Provide generous device limits. Overly restrictive activation limits frustrate legitimate customers.
  • Communicate updates. Regular updates justify ongoing subscriptions and reduce churn.
  • Support your users. Responsive support builds loyalty and reduces refund requests.

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