About two weeks ago, I participated in a workshop for “out-of-the-box” thinking. The exercise included painting a beach scene. While I stressed about getting paint on the canvas, everyone around me was expressing their inner Picasso. Following the exercise, I found myself in a discussion as to what I enjoy doing to relax. The answer came quickly.  Puzzles! I find 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles relaxing. Why? And more to the point, what does any of this have to do with software monetization?

As I have learned, a software monetization program is very much like a puzzle. There is a big picture to complete, one piece at a time. The term software monetization encompasses software protection, enforcement of proper use, entitlement management, business strategy and, last but not least, back-office integration. All that in just  two words. The beauty of it is that as a software vendor or device manufacturer, I don’t need to do it all at once. I can start one piece at a time, gradually adding pieces as my business grows or my needs change.

The hardest part very often is getting started, getting the “frame” into place (now you know my puzzle technique). That’s where help comes in – you know, the picture on the box. Or in the case of the software monetization puzzle, the big vision of those professionals who have put software monetization programs together for others before me.

Essentially, I have the big picture right in front of me but I don’t need to get overwhelmed by budget or resources, rather I can implement each piece at my own pace.

While software monetization may never be as relaxing as a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle of vintage games, looking at the “big picture” can make the whole process less frustrating and, who knows, you might even enjoy putting it together.