The final application protection scheme depends on the specific task. However, the basic principle can be represented as follows:

• The application is "linked" to the license using automatic security tools or a special API;
• The license is securely stored in the key memory;
• During operation, the protected application constantly exchanges information with the key. If the key is missing or includes unsuitable or expired license, then the software does not work.

Thus, copying a protected program makes no sense, since without a key it becomes inoperable.

The mechanism for protecting and licensing applications in the network is as follows:

• A special intermediary program, the Guardant network license manager, is installed on a dedicated server or workstation;
• A network hardware key is installed on the same server or station;
• The application is protected either with the help of automatic protection tools or with the help of the Guardant Licensing API;
• The license manager and the key will strictly control the number of connections according to the licenses programmed by the developer.

Data protection in the network protocol is carried out at the hardware level, that is, it is encrypted on session keys generated between the protected application and the electronic key without any intermediaries.