I know most people don't like dongles and it would be great if every company was like Cakewalk and didn't use dongles or authorization. Things were much easier in the old days with simple serial numbers, but of course, I also understand that companies need to protect themselves today because there's too much pirating going on.
With that said... think about it this way...
With challenge-response you are usually limited in the number of installations. In addition, every time you do an install you also have to do an authorization, which is a pain if your DAW is not connected directly to the Internet (and it shouldn't be).
With the iLok you only do the authorization process once. You can also install the software as many times as necessary without having to do additional authorizations. Of course, you can only run the software on one machine at a time, but that's the way it is supposed to be even with challenge-response.
In addition, a single iLok can hold over 100 authorizations, which means you could easily have all your authorizations on one (or two keys if really necessary). AND none of those authorizations are tied to a single PC. Plus, the authorizations are backed up at the iLok.com site. If your iLok gets damaged or stops working, you simply get it replaced for a small fee.
So, let's say your PC craps out on you or your hard drive crashes, but luckily you have a back up PC. However, with challenge-response you may have reached the limit on the number of installations. With the iLok this wouldn't happen... you simply install the software on the other PC, plug-in the iLok and you're back to work.
Really... if you look at it, the iLok is a much better choice if we have to deal with copy protection, which is now a given in this day and age.
Well, I guess they both have their strengths and weaknesses... of course, the main reason we all have to deal with this junk is because of the idiot pirates! Why can't everyone just be honest? Imagine what a world this would be...
Scott
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Scott R. Garrigus - Author of the Cakewalk Sonar and Sony Sound Forge Power book series. Get Sonar 7 Power & Sound Forge 8 Power - Today! Go to:
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