Hi,
I finished developing a program and would like to sell it online. However, I am not really sure of what to do next.
Here is my current plan (in-order):
1- Add a 'deployment' project (i'm using visual studio) to my project so I can create a setup file for my program.
2- Use visual studio 'testing' add ons to test the program. I have no idea how to do it, but will teach myself.
3- When all is done, install the program on my wife's, parents and in-laws computer to further test it under different environments.
3- Setup a small Ltd. company. ( I might start this earlier as it might take a few weeks to complete).
4- Build / finish building a website (actually I started on this step a few weeks ago but haven't devoted enough time for it to complete yet).
5- Find a software / service to protect my program from piracy. I know it is impossible to protect the program from piracy. I understand that fully. But I still want to implement some sort of solution that wouldn't harm or deter honest customers.
6- Set up a business paypal account.
7- Find a software / service to handle payments on my website
8- Find a software / service to handle issuing license codes
9- Set up all of the above and go 'live'.
However, I have zero experience in this sort of thing and would like your guidance on some points.
1- Is it necessary to setup a company? Can I sell as an individual? Will selling as an individual deter persons or companies from buying my software?
2- What is a decent choice for as a software / service to protect my program from my piracy. I have done a quick search and found something called Quick License Manager by Interactive Studios. Is this the sort of thing I am looking for? Is it any good? At which stage do I use or implement their service (or any similar service you might point me too? I guess I am really asking: how does this work? Would they give me a file I just add to my project, rebuild it and that's it?
3- What should I implement to handle payments online and how complicated is it? could you point me to any such services, please?
4- What should I implement to handle issuing license codes and how will that software / service coordinate with the software / service that handles the anti-piracy stuff? could you point me to such services, please?
5- In a different Stack Overflow question (by another user) someone suggested a cms system called Software Droid (http://www.softwaredroid.com). Is this what I am after. Will it help?
6- If the steps i'm following are incorrect in order or logic could you please advise me on what I should actually do?
I guess these are question for those of you who have 'been there and done that'. So any guidance will be vary much appreciated.
Many thanks in advance for your help.
