03/25/96 PAY-TO-PLAY MAY BE NEXT IN SHAREWARE

PAY-TO-PLAY MAY BE NEXT IN SHAREWARE

A SMALL SOFTWARE DEVELOPER DOESN'T HAVE MUCH chance of getting shelf space in computer stores. One less-than-satisfactory alternative is to post the program on an electronic bulletin board and hope that at least some users are honest enough to pay up.
Release Software Corp. reckons it has a better idea: a software module called AutoPay, which a developer can add to any PC- or Mac-compatible products. After downloading a program, the user is entitled to a predetermined trial period--say 30 hours of play. Then the AutoPay module kicks into action. It can advise customers to call an 800 number or even dial through the PC's modem and deliver encrypted payment information to Release Software's own server. Once payment is received, a return code authorizes AutoPay to unlock the program for further use. AutoPay can be used to collect periodic rental payments and to control access to selected features of program products, too.
EDITED BY AMY CORTESE