[drummondf]

Hello,

I have a unique use-case wherein I need to use PHP CMS Drupal 7 as a DRM for software usage. Explained below:

 - User at Drupal site has role of X
 - User logs into a lightweight Windows/Mac/Linux desktop client with their Drupal credentials, which are checked against the Drupal database to ensure that the user/pass combination provided has role of X
 - User is then able to, while logged into the client, open various software applications provided to them via the site, which would otherwise fail to operate without successful role verification - these softwares would include a snippet of code which works in conjunction with the client to prevent otherwise unauthorized usage

Furthermore, we would for the software to track time using the software and record it to the Drupal database in a field, possibly with the columns "user, software, and start/stop times" which we can then access via a View for analysis.

What is the best way to approach the software side of this use-case? I understand that many licensing/DRM tools are built with C++ but know very little about that technology and am seeking as much guidance as I can be provided.  Furthermore, any insights on possible costs?

Thank you in advance for your help!