Voice of the PPL

After looking around at many tools available to create an integrated update solution for PPL 2.0, I have decided to write my own. None could offer the flexibility I needed.

I needed a tool that could support multiple installed products, allow to verify serial numbers on the fly and provide the user with a fast update tool.

I came up with CleverUpdate, a tool that will be sold later by ArianeSoft Inc. It offers the ability scan for installed Product Version Files (.pvi) and check via HTTP (port 80) for Product Update Files (.upd). The UPD files contains all information required to download an update file and install it right away. It also contains a list of serial numbers (not the actual serial numbers but a special ID) allowing to check if the user as the right to download the update or not.

You can have as many PVI files, they can check for updates on multiple URL’s as well.

This will provide me with the ability to offer a Demo version of PPL 2.0 (features limited) and when someone purchase the full version, they will simply have to check for updates via the Help -> Check for Updates menu item. The full version will automatically be available for download when you enter the serial number for the product.

When a customer purchases a PPL component from our store, it will contain a PVI file that will allow for fast and easy updates when new versions comes out.

The product will come with CleverBuilder as well, which allows you to create UPD, PVI and KEY files for your products very easily.

Here is a screenshot of CleverUpdate. The data is dummy, don’t pay attention to it.