Introduction

SOLO Server^TM is the central licensing server for the SoftwareKey System. The SoftwareKey System is an extremely powerful, flexible, and scalable software licensing system that contains a variety of tools, ranging from client components that are used in your distributed application to sophisticated online licensing and e-Commerce services to automate your customer and license management.

SOLO Server is available in three different packages; you can choose from two managed services or a self-hosted server:

SOLO Server Shared / Custom URL - Managed service gets you up and running in minutes using our IT infrastructure and domain. Common for companies who typically prefer the hands-off nature of managed SaaS applications.
- Shared URL: secure.softwarekey.com
- Custom URL: [your brand].softwarekey.com
SOLO Server Dedicated URL - Managed service using your domain name on our IT infrastructure with advanced customizability & integration options, and also portability to your IT infrastructure in the future. Provides a hybrid solution for those companies who prefer the hands-off nature of managed SaaS applications but not to be locked into them.
SOLO Server Self-Hosted - Royalty-free use of the application on your own IT infrastructure for complete autonomy. (see the Installation/Configuration manual topics for more information)

Each package is equipped with the same core features.

SoftwareKey System

For an overview, please view our webinar: Introduction to and Benefits of the SoftwareKey System.

Protection - Protection PLUS^TM is the industry standard client component for software licensing and copy protection. It is your key to protecting your investment in your intellectual property and puts you in the driver's seat to sell your software and enforce license compliance. Protect software in minutes by changing little to no source code using Instant Protection PLUS 3 or take more control by using Protection PLUS 5 SDK and implement the licensing to your exacting needs.
Automation - SOLO Server is the server component and power packed with features including Electronic License Activation (ELA) which allows your customers to activate their software 24 hours a day while Electronic License Management (ELM) allows you to maintain control over license compliance. You can also utilize SOLO Server's optional e-Commerce features for a one stop solution to automate the sales of licenses to your customers. Alternatively, you can use SOLO Server just as the licensing server and integrate your own e-Commerce solution or not use any e-Commerce solution if your product is not sold online.

The following stack graphic illustrates a high level summary of the Protection PLUS 5 SDK and SOLO Server components:

About This Manual

The bulk of this manual is geared towards independent software vendors (ISVs) using SOLO Server as part of the SoftwareKey System.

For information on our licensing clients, please refer to the appropriate online manual:

This manual was last updated Friday, May 9, 2025.