14 DAY TRIAL // The Windows Marketplace for Mobile, the application storefront Redmond-based software company Microsoft has put in place for the owners of any handset running under Windows Mobile 6.5, has been recently updated with a series of new features. Among them, the company included new anti-piracy protection features for the software solutions available within the storefront, which were cracked only one day after.
Since Microsoft is imposing its own such measures to developers of applications for its mobile operating system, this is a rather disturbing fact. Developers are looking into providing their apps to a wide range of users out there, and the Marketplace offers them the possibility to do so, while the anti-piracy protection measures are aimed at ensuring that their intellectual property is secured, and the fact that they have been hacked so easily doesn't seem too ensuring.
“We understand that as long as there is a financial incentive for pirating software, there will be criminals working to circumvent anti-piracy protection. All protection is designed to be a deterrent, but none can offer a guarantee against piracy. The advanced solution we delivered in November is as strong or stronger than what is available on other app sites and we will continue to work with ISVs to take steps to help preserve intellectual property – it’s an ongoing process,” is what Microsoft said in a statement regarding the issue.
One should agree that the financial aspect of the matter is something that is of rather small importance. The apps for mobile phones come at low prices, not to mention that the Marketplace enables users to enjoy the same app on several personal handsets, and does not limit the usage to a single device. However, we can also imagine that there are those who hack apps for fun, and not with the intention of gaining financial benefits from it.