End of iLok?

[kclements]

hello.

I haven't purchased products that require iLok for a few reasons. One of the biggest complaints I have read about iLok is the lack of 64bit support. Well, I got an email the other day from Plugin Alliance - they have gone away from iLok with some big name plugins, and now, Waves is moving away from iLok. From KVRAudio:

V9 also marks the introduction of Waves' new easy-to-use authorization system, Waves License Center, which eliminates use of the iLok. Waves License Center offers users authorization activation straight to their computer or any USB flash drive; easy license management; license mobility via USB flash drive or users' License Cloud; and one-click license recovery in the case of lost or damaged devices.

Seems like a trend? However, it also removes any excuse I had to not spend more money

Cheers -
kc

[crs7string]

Kayle,

I see all kinds of comments on various forums that reflect people's avoidance of iLok with an undertone of hatred of the product.

I have several iLoks dangling from my computer, have never had any issues and I'm running the software the iLok protects in 64 bit.

When I read the negative comments, I sort of scratch my head in wonder. Is the comment reflecting a feeling that a software company has no right to protect their product??? Is the comment reflecting a feeling that I can't steal their software, and I'm furious at them for it??

When I think about the software I would not have available to me if I felt that way, I would be missing out on some great sounds.

On the other hand, I do prefer the challenge and response approach.

Unfortunately, as long as software can be cracked, we will have some copy protection to contend with.

Chuck

BTW none of my comments about people hating iLok are directed at you or anyone else on the TAXI forum.

[markjsmith]

I actually LIKE the iLok compared to the typical challenge/response copy protection. I don't understand peoples general iLok hatred either.

[Mark Kaufman]

Nevertheless, if companies adopt a better workaround without one, our feelings about the iLok are moot. I'd rather not use one if I don't have to, and I harbor no ill feeling towards them...but I do find value in another available USB slot. Plugin Alliance is pretty cool.

[jonnybutter]

My iLok has worked fine, and is more convenient in some ways, but I can understand the resentment about it somewhat: it uses up a USB port and it costs US $50-60. It's quite overpriced for what it is, IMO. It is nice to have all your licenses in one place though.

[fusilierb]

The only things I never really liked about it was having to spend extra money just so that the company could protect itself. Why am I paying for their security concerns, I just bought their software, now I have to cover the cost of covering their ass? Weak.

But after you make the initial purchase and get over it, I don't like having to grab it from my main machine just to carry it along with me when I want to use my laptop. (I can't tell you how many times that has bitten me in the ass) That frankly is just supremely weak in the year 2012.

Beyond that, I could care less about iLok. But it is an unnecessary pain in the ass. Why does only one piece of gear in my entire arsenal (Lot's of gear, which is all quite protected by other means) require me to waste a USB port for their sake?

[mazz]

I don't mind iloks. I'd rather a small innovative developer spend their time creating great software. If they have to spend time protecting their intellectual property then they aren't innovating. If an ilok makes it easy to protect their software, then I'm all for it.

[fusilierb]

I'm not saying I mind them. Really I'm completely ambivalent to them until they don't work (which has randomly happened for no apparent reason) and the extra expense and portability issue. I guess you could say the portability issue is my fault because I sometimes forget to grab it when I'm travelling but why should I have to worry about grabbing that thing? And why should I waste a hardware port for it? I just bought a piece of software and now it's going to take a hardware port to use?? Apple is already on a Crusade to kill extra ports, so now you have to carry around a USB cradle to get all this stuff connected. It's just another piece of manufactured plastic that I have to buy and keep track of.

I don't know of any small independent developers using it. In my stuff it's just one of the bigger guys. It's East/West that is using them in my setup. I currently have three USB dongles attached to my machine, two from steinberg and one just for East/West. Add in my midi interface and my typing keyboard I'm out of USB ports. Buy another device to add more. I write in my studio, but take my setup with me on my laptop when I travel to mix and do sketches. I wouldn't mind carrying the extra USB cradle and devices so much if there was no other option, but there is.

All the small guys I love use over the air protection. Cracking ilok protection really isn't that hard, so it's not like its really doing anything other than making you buy it and then go through another service to authorize it.

What small independents are really benefitting from this? I'm all for small independents, trust me. Audiobro and other really incredible independent software makers like that are my new heroes. And they don't seem to feel like it's necessary.

PS. I haven't been on these forums in a while and have been drinking and LOVE stirring the pot. Let's take this discussion up a notch or two shall we?

[kclements]

I don't have a problem with iLok - I have just heard they are the biggest reason companies like Waves have not put out 64bit native plugins. I know that there are 32-64bit bridges, but after putting together my new system, I decided to run only 64bit plugs unless absolutely necessary and I haven't run across a reason, yet.

Either way it doesn't matter to me. I just thought it was interesting that Waves and a number of other iLok only plugs are getting away from iLok. And added bonus is now you can demo the plugs.

Cheers -
kc

[orest]

I have never had any problems with iLok regarding any software problems, but this is my problem:

The iLok is very big. The Macbook Pro has the USB-ports next to each other. So, If I plug my iLok into 1 port, it's so big so I can't use the second port.

So, that makes it even more not portable because I need to use a USB-hub with AC power. And hubs are known to cause problems now and then.