No more serial numbers for activating and registering software? Say it ain't so...

According to the release below, this software from Kagi negates the need to copy/paste serial numbers from email or the web browser to the software when installing. It's so simple you don't need an IT guru to install software anymore. There goes another 2 million IT jobs! Ok, I exaggerate, but it amuses me when I run into people who use computers all day long and they don't know how to copy/paste a serial number when installing an application or are intimidated by installing software in general. Computers don't bite! Just install it. Anyway.

Personally, I don't see serial numbers going away anytime soon. Although with rampant piracy, there may be more stricter registration methods employed such as using the Internet to activate software, such as Microsoft has done with their operating systems. Microsoft's activation scheme sure caused a storm of controversy awhile back, but seems to have simmered down as people have come to accept it or just turned to alternative open-source "free" software, such as Linux. Hey, could be worse right? At least the dongle is dead. I hated those things. You lose one and you could be out hundreds of dollars. Though I think AutoCAD and some specialty software still use them.

Anyway, here's the news release about the new software registration method:

Kagi Adds Windows(R) Version to Its Kagi Registration Module (KRM)

Program Simplifies Purchasing Any 32-Bit Window's Platform by Eliminating Need for Web Browser. Also Designed to Increase Impulse Purchases.

BERKELEY, CA, May 12 -- Kagi, the integrated, outsource service provider for online stores, has added a Windows version to its line of KRM (Kagi Registration Module) sales modules. KRM is an embedded software module that simplifies the procedure for individuals to purchase software online by eliminating the need to use a Web browser in the purchasing process and by automatically registering the software without the need to copy and paste a registration key from an email.

"With this introduction, we now have specific KRM modules available for two of the most recognized programming platforms used by both computer users, whether they are aficionados or beginners, Macintosh and Windows," commented Kee Nethery, President/CEO of Kagi. "Our Windows KRM makes it easy, hassle-free, and quick for anyone wanting to sell any 32-bit Windows software program to do so. The Windows KRM removes all the time-consuming, error-inducing browser-related activities, thereby reducing the buying process down to, basically, deciding, submitting, and buying. Everything else is handled automatically."

With Windows KRM, customers pay for and register the desired software without ever leaving the application itself. Eliminating the need for a Web browser reduces the number of steps necessary to make the purchase, which in turn increases impulse buying. Additionally, the KRM eliminates customer frustration stemming from lost e-mails and confusion about how to enter registration codes in the software, issues that often result in the need for costly customer support.

As with other KRM platforms, the new Windows KRM prompts the customer for information needed to make the purchase (name, e-mail address, credit card number, etc.). That data is securely sent to Kagi, where the purchase is authorized, the registration code calculated, then returned. Windows KRM provides the registration key to the application and the application installs the key

In addition to Windows KRM, Kagi also has KRM available for the following platforms: Cocoa for Java and Objective-C applications, and Carbon and Cocoa for Mach-O and CFM applications; REALBasic for Mach-O and CFM applications. Soon to be available are: Visual Basic, and Delphi. COM object and native .NET support; Pure Java, using Swing for the GUI, for Mac, Windows, and Unix/Linux; Runtime Revolution for Mac, Windows, and Unix systems. Future releases will include modules for Macromedia Director, FileMaker Pro, SuperCard, FutureBASIC, Palm, and Pocket PC.

About Kagi

Founded in 1994, Kagi, which means "key" in Japanese, enables you to unlock your online store's potential by providing patented technology to open, operate and upgrade your online store worldwide. Services include online store development and deployment, payment processing, delivery of digital goods, integration to physical fulfillment providers, fraud protection and data management. Over our history and continuing today, our clients operate thousands of stores in over 100 countries, selling digital and tangible merchandise to millions of buyers worldwide.