iLok

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This article is about the iLok Smart Key device. For the Croatian town of Ilok, see Ilok.

The iLok or InterLok is a copy prevention method developed and manufactured by PACE Anti-Piracy of San Jose, California utilizing a USB hardware "key" or "Dongle", and an online registration system at www.ilok.com. The "key" is about 3 inches long, can hold multiple (greater than 100) cross-platform licenses. It enables a user of licensed software to use that software on different machines without having to "register" each one with a challenge/response string. It accomplishes this by storing authorizations in the key. The key includes a GSM SIM card slot where the key can accept licenses on cards similar to those used in cellular telephones. These licenses can be loaded into the key and the SIM card can then be discarded. It is not necessary to have the SIM card to load a license into the key as they can also be downloaded over the internet or preprogrammed by the software manufacturer.

There are three ways of getting a license into an iLok key. Some software and hardware retail packages include the small smart card SIM chips that you insert into the iLok at the time specified by the software, and the license gets transferred in. Alternatively, you can purchase either physical or online licenses and transfer them to an iLok via iLok.com. Finally, many iLoks are shipped to customers as part of a product, pre-authorized. End users can use iLok.com to get trial software licenses and electronic delivery of Internet purchased licenses. This is notable in that the iLok allows for "Demo" periods so users can try software while still protecting the rights of the software manufacturer. It also allows scenarios wherein a user could actually effectively rent software for any period of time.

Contents

[edit] License protection

[edit] Destruction of iLoks

One criticism of the iLok is that if it is damaged, lost or stolen, you could essentially lose thousands (or many tens of thousands) of dollars in software. iLok's manufacturer downplays the likelihood of physical damage and has several videos on their website demonstrating various torture of iLoks. The manufacturer also has a service in place that allows for the replacement of damaged iLoks and their associated software licenses, though some software publishers require you to contact them directly to replacements for their particular products.

Of course similar issues apply with "box" software, if the media is damaged, lost or stolen, you generally have to contact the publisher for a replacement.

[edit] Versioning and development

Before iLok's eventual release on May 14, 2006, the lack of an Apple Mac Intel-native version of the iLok software was considered to be a potential obstacle to software vendors releasing universal binary versions of their applications.[1] Beta versions were available early in 2006 for PACE developers.

The iLok was the first copy protection dongle to support multiple licenses on the same unit.

PACE had Vista compatible versions of their drivers and tools to developers in 2007.

[edit] Criticisms

  • The PACE iLok is often blamed for computer software problems, including boot failures, shutdown failures as well as hardware malfunction. If true, such problems are sometimes not easily resolved because additional "Copy Protection Drivers" (TPKD.SYS and similar) are not always uninstalled when the associated product is being uninstalled even though such drivers could easily be uninstalled by the vendors of the software. In addition such drivers are optional and specifically chosen by the vendors. Vendors are given instruction on how to install and deinstall all PACE components.
  • The iLok often comes under fire in software user groups since the user must purchase the physical key itself in addition to whatever software the user is licensing. Software manufacturers have the option of providing the physical key to their users as well and some companies such as MOTU do include the key with their software. Additionally, there is a per license charge that the software vendor must pay to the iLok manufacturer which would have to be included in the software purchase price though this turns out to be nominal. The use of iLok is an option that can be chosen by the software publisher if desired, it is not required.
  • As with all copy protection, some software covered by InterLok requiring an iLok has been cracked on occasion by several different cracking groups.
  • Some users of the software it restricts question the point of having a restriction which can make legal customers suffer while illegal users can use the software it covers. However, it should be made clear that PACE makes the tools and those tools allow for software publisher to determine how they wish to enforce their EULA. PACE does not require any specific use. PACE tools support serial numbers, software activation, and portable hardware (iLok) activation.
  • The PACE protection scheme is sometimes viewed as malware, as it installs itself to a kernel driver level unknowingly to a software user, may not uninstall along with the associated product, and contains many mechanisms that cause the computer system to misbehave. The kernel mode driver prevents debugging activities commonly used by hackers.
  • Due to its physical size, the iLok can be a burden to users having a limited number of USB ports. This is particularly true for users of notebook PCs, where space between ports is limited, and USB devices are frequently being swapped. The iLok can be used with powered or unpowered USB hubs.
  • Some applications will crash or behave erratically if launched accidentally while the iLok is not present. Most applications will simply ask for the iLok to be inserted.

[edit] Partial list of software that uses the iLok for copy protection

  • MOTU MX4
  • MOTU MachFive
  • Izotope Ozone
  • Izotope Trash
  • Izotope Spectron
  • Virtually all Waves Products
  • Virtually all Digidesign plug-ins
  • Antares Auto-Tune
  • Serato products
  • McDSP plug-ins (some software purchases include a green iLok key)

[edit] Partial list of manufacturers that utilize the iLok for copy protection

  • AbbeyRoad Studios
  • Algorithmix
  • Antares Audio Technologies
  • Audio Ease
  • Brainworx Music & Media GmbH
  • Celemony
  • Crane Song Ltd
  • Creative Network Design
  • Cube-Tec International GmbH
  • Cycling '74
  • Digidesign
  • DTS, Inc.
  • Dolby
  • DUY Research
  • Drawmer
  • East West Sounds Online
  • Eventide, Inc.
  • Focusrite Audio Engineering
  • Grey Matter Response/Sprig
  • GRM Tools
  • iZotope
  • KORG Research
  • Mark Of The Unicorn, Inc. MOTU
  • McDSP
  • M-Audio
  • Mu Technologies
  • Notion
  • Nomad Factory
  • Nonfiction Software
  • Minnetonka Software Inc.
  • Plugorama - Muse Research
  • Princeton Digital
  • PSP Audioware
  • Remote Control Productions
  • Roger Nichols Digital
  • Rocket NYC
  • RC Productions,
  • Serato Audio Research
  • Softube
  • Sony Pro Audio R&D
  • Sound and Form
  • Soundminer
  • Soundfield
  • SoundToys
  • Source Elements
  • SRS Labs, Inc.
  • SyncroArts
  • Synaptricity
  • Synful Orchestra
  • TC Electronic
  • TC-Helicon Vocal Technologies
  • Trillium Lane Labs
  • Troon
  • Virtual Katy, Inc.
  • Ultimate Sound Bank Inc.
  • Unique Recording Software
  • Universal Audio, Inc.
  • WayOutWare
  • Waves, Inc.

[edit] External links