Since day one and until yesterday I assumed that the eLicenser application “manages the Licenses”. I had fabricated this dream —entirely reasonably but critically incorrectly— where eLicenser secures in their database one’s license information (i.e. the license itself).
Having awakened after reading the entire thread here, I once again realize I know just enough to be dangerous, and I see I don’t understand the features & limitations of dongle/key protection. The level of responsiveness and dedication of all VSL folks is indisputable, and I admire and appreciate it. Please and thank you, it’s with respect I voice my blunt opinion to be weighed on whatever merit it may have.
The fact that the VPP itself goes on the key —& ∴ is subject to being lost when my 15-yr. old key fails— is just (redundantly?) silly. From my evidently ignorant perspective I believe issues of licensing implementation should be maintained by the vendor 100% so that customers shouldn’t have to think about it (much less pay for insurance!). But what do I know? I’m an individual, out of the loop, expecting Amazon to deliver my purchases in 2 days and for free… and then take it back for free.
Don’t misunderstand; I recycle & I voted for Bernie ;) My relevant experience, and where I learned the word “dongle”, was working customer field support for AVID in Manhattan in the early-mid ‘90’s, then as a software engineer for two other companies for a few years. In those mostly pre-internet days, licensing issues were resolved with a 5-minute telephone call and a database tweak. Of course there are probably administrative expenses for VSL, but, absent the Protection Plan, charging the customer 20 Euros per license is disproportionate.
Is this (and VPP) revenue stream industry-standard practice?
Contributors to this thread are very polite, understanding, and grateful to give VSL more money for something that, imo, should be included in the original cost of purchasing any license —especially if it’s the case that licenses on failed keys can be deactivated (who knew they couldn’t be?). Great that “this new system” is so much better, but as Gustar pointed out, this situation we need insurance for was created by the vendor. You understand I’m not wearing white gloves b/c I believe you respect my input/ opinion. Neither the history or the particulars of the issue should concern customers, should they? The reality of my indignance is that replacing my 22 licenses for a failed key would cost me $500US, so, it’s a no-brainer that I need to submit (buy a VPP).
~Itchy
(wishing you are well while he eats his feet)