I have built many c# programs over the last few years, and I’m confident I can get a program to do almost anything.
But up till now they have all been in-house programs where I have been around to watch over the installation and updates.
Someone has approached me to build a program to be sold, the program itself I know I can take care of, but is there anything I should be looking into before publishing a program for sale?
I’m thinking I must perform a security test, get a software licence?
anyone know a good place for me to read up on this?
Number one issue: licensing. Check licenses of libraries you use, maybe some of them are for non commercial purposes.
Number two issue: installation package and user manuals. Everything you give to the client must be self explanatory, easy to understand and answer very silly questions (can I install it on drive D: because I have a drive D: with lotsa space, but your manual doesn’t say anytinh about installing it on any other drive than C: … etc.)
Number three issue: updates. How will you manage them? Automatic? User driven? Separate downloadable files?
Number four issue: your copyright.
Number five issue: protection of your copyright (protection from piracy, etc.).
Number six issue: if you sell internationally – check the law of that country regarding copyright, patents, security etc.
Number seven issue: make sure your software is secure, integral, fast, doesn’t provide blue screens etc.
If you live in US or other country with software patents issues – make sure you don’t use any copyrighted solutions (like one click shopping “feature”, etc.).
I hope it’s a good starter.