>I have a client that is overseas that wants an application I developed and can not be trusted to not try to steal application code. They have unlimited resources. Are there rules for sending encrypted code overseas? Is there a fool proof way to encrypt code? I thought of double encrpting. I can't afford a major investment in 3rd party stuff.
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>Any suggestions would be appreciated
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>Thanks, Chuck

More of a contract dispute - as stated software can be deencrypted. But....

1) Check thoroughly on the precedence of the courts on this type of action in the destination company. If the courts do not have a historical precedence, regularly enforced by way of decision, then be wary.

2) Check thoroughly the history of the client; regarding these issues and other related matters such as supplier payment, contract forefeiture, etc. With such a history, a client is inherently a bad egg.

As you are in the US (I am an EXPAT), there are several laws regarding the encryption and keys you may export (see previous). In any event, any encryption you purchase and use for export will 99/100 be available to your client as well - and a simple process (relatively) to determine the key can be initiated.

To summarise: if there is that much concern then this contract is one which should be done by someone else.

HTH