>Hi Jos,
>
>>You get far more security for your code by applying an exe packer/compressor like Konixse, Thinstall, etc.
>
>I agree that you should use a tool that protects the EXE. However, obfuscation is not a replacement for encrypting EXEs, it's another line of defense. Without obfuscation, when someone managed to get the code, for example with VCX extraction, you've lost. The game is over. With obfuscation, you have another line they need to cross.
>
>If they are truly determined to get at your code, they won't mind spending a few days or weeks on going through the code. However, if someone had a business reason for decompiling the application (the competitor wanted to see how you did something to implement this in their own application. A customer doesn't want to pay license fees), they might find that it's cheaper for them to code this feature themselves or to buy the application.

What would it change it they buy it. The application would still be encrypted and obfuscated. And they probably don't want you to have a proof that they bought your application. What better way to market an application than say "Our application is so good that even XYZ bought it" <g>