I have noticed that some software vendors require your Symbian device ID (IMEI) before they will allow you to purchase/register their software.
Personally, I consider the IMEI of my phone to be personal and private. Although I do understand the need of these vendors to protect themselves against piracy, I do not feel comfortable with the requirement to supply my IMEI to all and sundry.
A few years ago when Microsoft tried to use the unique CPU ID of our PC's to track their software, they were protests from every corner. Microsoft had to abandon the plan.
Now it would seem that software vendors for PDA's and phones are adopting the same dubious practices. I should not be required to supply complete strangers with the unique ID of my device in order to run their software.
Dubious usage of IMEI
A few years ago when Microsoft tried to use the unique CPU ID of our PC's to track their software, they were protests from every corner. Microsoft had to abandon the plan.
Well, did you ever install a Windows XP? That's exactly what it does!
[quote="michis0806"]
A few years ago when Microsoft tried to use the unique CPU ID of our PC's to track their software, they were protests from every corner. Microsoft had to abandon the plan.
Well, did you ever install a Windows XP? That's exactly what it does![/quote]
How exactly does Windows XP do that now that CPU ID's don't exist? Only some early P3 chips had it, but Intel removed those IDs 3 years ago (and anyway the only chips that ever had processor ID's were Intel P3 chips).
Well, you have to respect the programmers' rights and perspective. IMEI is probably the most unique piece of information and best identifies your phone, similar to the CPU/hardware ID's on your computer, and the whole idea of generating unlocking codes from this information is to prevent you from installing the software on a different phone or computer system. Unless there's a better method to protect their work, this is the most effective way.
I agree with coolvi - bear in mind almost all of the developers are businesses (nothing wrong with that, but that means they have to invest money to generate income). Also all "controls" are reactions to abuses.
Anyway, I don't think leaving your IMEI with half a dozen small companies across the world constitutes a security problem.
So, I wouldn't worry, let them protect their business in the most efficient way they can (at present).
Paul