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Olivier Moussalli
Olivier Moussalli

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Software Analytics & Telemetry in C#: Track Installs, Usage, and Conversions

#csharp #analytics #telemetry #saas

You're losing money and you don't even know it. Without analytics, you can't answer basic business questions: How many trial users actually install? What percentage convert to paid? When do users stop using your software? Which features drive retention?

Software analytics isn't just nice to have—it's the difference between guessing and knowing. This article shows you how to implement comprehensive telemetry in C# to track every stage of your software's lifecycle.

Why Software Analytics Matter

Questions you can't answer without analytics:

  • What's your trial-to-paid conversion rate?
  • How many downloads actually result in installations?
  • When do users abandon your software?
  • Which features are never used (wasted development)?
  • How long do users actually use your product per session?
  • What's your actual churn rate vs what your payment processor reports?

Industry benchmarks to beat:

  • Average trial conversion: 2-5%
  • Download-to-install: 40-60%
  • Install-to-activation: 70-85%
  • 30-day retention: 30-40%

If you don't measure these, you can't improve them. Companies that track analytics improve conversion by 30-50% within 6 months.

What to Track

Quick License Manager tracks the complete software lifecycle:

1. Download Events

  • When: User downloads installer
  • Why: Measure marketing effectiveness
  • Metric: Download-to-install rate

2. Installation Events

  • When: Software is installed
  • Why: Track successful deployments
  • Metric: Install-to-activation rate

3. Activation Events

  • When: License is activated
  • Why: Understand onboarding friction
  • Metric: Time-to-activation

4. Usage Events

  • When: Application launches/runs
  • Why: Measure engagement
  • Metric: Daily/monthly active users

5. Uninstallation Events

  • When: Software is removed
  • Why: Understand churn timing
  • Metric: Retention by cohort

6. Feature Usage

  • When: Specific features are used
  • Why: Prioritize development
  • Metric: Feature adoption rate

7. License Expiry Events

  • When: Trial/subscription expires
  • Why: Predict renewal likelihood
  • Metric: Re-engagement rate

Analytics Architecture 

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    YOUR APPLICATION                     │
│                                                         │
│  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐  ┌──────────┐            │
│  │ Install  │  │  Usage   │  │ Feature  │            │
│  │ Tracker  │  │ Tracker  │  │ Tracker  │            │
│  └────┬─────┘  └────┬─────┘  └────┬─────┘            │
│       │             │             │                    │
│       └─────────────┴─────────────┘                    │
│                     │                                  │
│       ┌─────────────▼─────────────┐                   │
│       │   Analytics Publisher     │                   │
│       └─────────────┬─────────────┘                   │
└─────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────┘
                      │
          ┌───────────▼───────────┐
          │  QLM LICENSE SERVER   │
          │                       │
          │  ┌─────────────────┐  │
          │  │ Analytics DB    │  │
          │  └─────────────────┘  │
          └───────────┬───────────┘
                      │
          ┌───────────▼───────────┐
          │   ANALYTICS PORTAL    │
          │                       │
          │  • Dashboards         │
          │  • Reports            │
          │  • Conversion Funnels │
          │  • Cohort Analysis    │
          └───────────────────────┘
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Implementing Analytics Tracking

Step 1: Analytics Publisher 

using QLM.LicenseLib;

public class AnalyticsPublisher
{
    private LicenseValidator lv;
    private string productName;
    private string productVersion;

    public AnalyticsPublisher(string settingsFile, string product, string version)
    {
        lv = new LicenseValidator(settingsFile);
        productName = product;
        productVersion = version;
    }

    public void PublishEvent(
        AnalyticsEventType eventType,
        Dictionary<string, string> customData = null)
    {
        try
        {
            string response;
            bool success = false;

            switch (eventType)
            {
                case AnalyticsEventType.Install:
                    success = PublishInstall(out response);
                    break;

                case AnalyticsEventType.Uninstall:
                    success = PublishUninstall(out response);
                    break;

                case AnalyticsEventType.Usage:
                    success = PublishUsage(out response);
                    break;

                case AnalyticsEventType.FeatureUsage:
                    success = PublishFeatureUsage(customData, out response);
                    break;
            }

            if (!success)
            {
                LogAnalyticsError($"Failed to publish {eventType}: {response}");
            }
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            // Never let analytics crash the app
            LogAnalyticsError($"Analytics exception: {ex.Message}");
        }
    }

    private bool PublishInstall(out string response)
    {
        return lv.QlmLicenseObject.AddInstall(
            webServiceUrl: lv.QlmLicenseObject.DefaultWebServiceUrl,
            activationKey: lv.ActivationKey,
            computerID: lv.QlmLicenseObject.GetComputerID(),
            computerName: Environment.MachineName,
            osVersion: GetOSVersion(),
            productName: productName,
            majorVersion: GetMajorVersion(),
            minorVersion: GetMinorVersion(),
            response: out response
        );
    }

    private bool PublishUninstall(out string response)
    {
        return lv.QlmLicenseObject.AddUninstall(
            webServiceUrl: lv.QlmLicenseObject.DefaultWebServiceUrl,
            activationKey: lv.ActivationKey,
            computerID: lv.QlmLicenseObject.GetComputerID(),
            computerName: Environment.MachineName,
            productName: productName,
            majorVersion: GetMajorVersion(),
            minorVersion: GetMinorVersion(),
            response: out response
        );
    }

    private bool PublishUsage(out string response)
    {
        return lv.QlmLicenseObject.UpdateUsageStats(
            webServiceUrl: lv.QlmLicenseObject.DefaultWebServiceUrl,
            activationKey: lv.ActivationKey,
            computerID: lv.QlmLicenseObject.GetComputerID(),
            productName: productName,
            majorVersion: GetMajorVersion(),
            minorVersion: GetMinorVersion(),
            response: out response
        );
    }
}

public enum AnalyticsEventType
{
    Install,
    Uninstall,
    Usage,
    FeatureUsage,
    Activation,
    Deactivation
}
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Step 2: Track Installation 

public class InstallationTracker
{
    public void TrackInstallation()
    {
        try
        {
            var analytics = new AnalyticsPublisher(
                "settings.xml",
                "MyApplication",
                "1.0.0"
            );

            // Record installation
            analytics.PublishEvent(AnalyticsEventType.Install);

            // Store installation timestamp
            StoreInstallationInfo();

            Console.WriteLine("Installation tracked successfully");
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            // Log but don't block installation
            LogError($"Analytics tracking failed: {ex.Message}");
        }
    }

    private void StoreInstallationInfo()
    {
        // Store locally for future reference
        var installInfo = new
        {
            InstallDate = DateTime.UtcNow,
            Version = "1.0.0",
            ComputerID = GetComputerID(),
            OSVersion = Environment.OSVersion.ToString()
        };

        string json = JsonConvert.SerializeObject(installInfo);
        File.WriteAllText(
            Path.Combine(
                Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.ApplicationData),
                "MyApp",
                "install.json"
            ),
            json
        );
    }
}
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Call this from your installer:

// In your installer code (e.g., WiX custom action)
public class CustomActions
{
    [CustomAction]
    public static ActionResult TrackInstallation(Session session)
    {
        try
        {
            var tracker = new InstallationTracker();
            tracker.TrackInstallation();

            return ActionResult.Success;
        }
        catch
        {
            // Don't fail installation if analytics fails
            return ActionResult.Success;
        }
    }
}
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Step 3: Track Usage 

public class UsageTracker
{
    private static Timer usageTimer;
    private static AnalyticsPublisher analytics;
    private static DateTime sessionStart;

    public static void StartTracking()
    {
        analytics = new AnalyticsPublisher(
            "settings.xml",
            "MyApplication",
            "1.0.0"
        );

        sessionStart = DateTime.UtcNow;

        // Track usage immediately on launch
        TrackUsageNow();

        // Then track periodically (every 24 hours)
        usageTimer = new Timer(
            TrackUsagePeriodic,
            null,
            TimeSpan.FromHours(24),
            TimeSpan.FromHours(24)
        );
    }

    private static void TrackUsageNow()
    {
        Task.Run(() =>
        {
            analytics.PublishEvent(AnalyticsEventType.Usage);
        });
    }

    private static void TrackUsagePeriodic(object state)
    {
        TrackUsageNow();
    }

    public static void StopTracking()
    {
        // Calculate session duration
        TimeSpan sessionDuration = DateTime.UtcNow - sessionStart;

        // Track final usage with session info
        var customData = new Dictionary<string, string>
        {
            { "SessionDuration", sessionDuration.TotalMinutes.ToString("F1") },
            { "SessionEnd", DateTime.UtcNow.ToString("o") }
        };

        analytics.PublishEvent(AnalyticsEventType.Usage, customData);

        usageTimer?.Dispose();
    }
}

// In your application startup:
public partial class App : Application
{
    protected override void OnStartup(StartupEventArgs e)
    {
        base.OnStartup(e);

        // Start usage tracking
        UsageTracker.StartTracking();
    }

    protected override void OnExit(ExitEventArgs e)
    {
        // Stop tracking and record session
        UsageTracker.StopTracking();

        base.OnExit(e);
    }
}
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Step 4: Track Feature Usage 

public class FeatureUsageTracker
{
    private static AnalyticsPublisher analytics;
    private static Dictionary<string, int> featureUsageCounts = 
        new Dictionary<string, int>();

    public static void Initialize()
    {
        analytics = new AnalyticsPublisher(
            "settings.xml",
            "MyApplication",
            "1.0.0"
        );
    }

    public static void TrackFeature(string featureName)
    {
        // Increment local counter
        if (!featureUsageCounts.ContainsKey(featureName))
        {
            featureUsageCounts[featureName] = 0;
        }
        featureUsageCounts[featureName]++;

        // Publish to server
        Task.Run(() =>
        {
            var customData = new Dictionary<string, string>
            {
                { "FeatureName", featureName },
                { "UsageCount", featureUsageCounts[featureName].ToString() },
                { "Timestamp", DateTime.UtcNow.ToString("o") }
            };

            analytics.PublishEvent(AnalyticsEventType.FeatureUsage, customData);
        });
    }
}

// Usage in your application:
public class MainWindow : Window
{
    private void ExportButton_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
    {
        // Track feature usage
        FeatureUsageTracker.TrackFeature("Export");

        // Execute feature
        PerformExport();
    }

    private void ImportButton_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
    {
        FeatureUsageTracker.TrackFeature("Import");
        PerformImport();
    }

    private void AdvancedSettingsButton_Click(object sender, RoutedEventArgs e)
    {
        FeatureUsageTracker.TrackFeature("AdvancedSettings");
        ShowAdvancedSettings();
    }
}
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Step 5: Track Uninstallation 

public class UninstallationTracker
{
    public void TrackUninstallation()
    {
        try
        {
            var analytics = new AnalyticsPublisher(
                "settings.xml",
                "MyApplication",
                "1.0.0"
            );

            // Load installation info
            var installInfo = LoadInstallationInfo();

            // Calculate lifetime
            TimeSpan lifetime = DateTime.UtcNow - installInfo.InstallDate;

            // Track uninstallation with context
            var customData = new Dictionary<string, string>
            {
                { "Lifetime", lifetime.TotalDays.ToString("F1") },
                { "Version", installInfo.Version },
                { "InstallDate", installInfo.InstallDate.ToString("o") }
            };

            analytics.PublishEvent(AnalyticsEventType.Uninstall, customData);

            Console.WriteLine("Uninstallation tracked successfully");
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            LogError($"Analytics tracking failed: {ex.Message}");
        }
    }
}

// In your uninstaller:
[CustomAction]
public static ActionResult TrackUninstallation(Session session)
{
    try
    {
        var tracker = new UninstallationTracker();
        tracker.TrackUninstallation();

        return ActionResult.Success;
    }
    catch
    {
        return ActionResult.Success;
    }
}
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Using LicenseValidator for Analytics

QLM's LicenseValidator class includes built-in analytics:

public class LicenseValidatorWithAnalytics
{
    private LicenseValidator lv;

    public LicenseValidatorWithAnalytics(string settingsFile)
    {
        lv = new LicenseValidator(settingsFile);

        // Enable automatic analytics publishing
        ConfigureAnalytics();
    }

    private void ConfigureAnalytics()
    {
        // LicenseValidator automatically publishes:
        // - Installation data (via AddInstall)
        // - Usage data (via UpdateUsageStats)
        // - Activation events

        // Enable automatic publishing
        lv.QlmLicenseObject.PublishAnalytics = true;
    }

    public void ValidateAndTrack()
    {
        bool needsActivation = false;
        string errorMsg = string.Empty;

        // This automatically tracks usage if enabled
        bool isValid = lv.ValidateLicenseAtStartup(
            ELicenseBinding.ComputerName,
            ref needsActivation,
            ref errorMsg
        );

        if (isValid)
        {
            // License valid - usage automatically tracked
            Console.WriteLine("License valid, usage tracked");
        }
        else
        {
            // Handle invalid license
            Console.WriteLine($"License invalid: {errorMsg}");
        }
    }
}
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More on QLM Analytics features.

Tracking Trial Conversions

One of the most important metrics:

public class TrialConversionTracker
{
    public enum TrialStage
    {
        Downloaded,
        Installed,
        FirstLaunch,
        TrialActivated,
        ActiveUsage,
        ConvertedToPaid,
        Expired,
        Abandoned
    }

    public void TrackTrialStage(TrialStage stage)
    {
        var analytics = new AnalyticsPublisher(
            "settings.xml",
            "MyApplication",
            "1.0.0"
        );

        var customData = new Dictionary<string, string>
        {
            { "TrialStage", stage.ToString() },
            { "Timestamp", DateTime.UtcNow.ToString("o") }
        };

        // Add stage-specific data
        switch (stage)
        {
            case TrialStage.FirstLaunch:
                customData["TimeSinceInstall"] = GetTimeSinceInstall().ToString();
                break;

            case TrialStage.ActiveUsage:
                customData["DaysInTrial"] = GetDaysInTrial().ToString();
                customData["SessionCount"] = GetSessionCount().ToString();
                break;

            case TrialStage.ConvertedToPaid:
                customData["DaysToConversion"] = GetDaysToConversion().ToString();
                customData["TotalSessions"] = GetSessionCount().ToString();
                break;

            case TrialStage.Expired:
                customData["TotalTrialDays"] = GetDaysInTrial().ToString();
                customData["LastUsedDaysAgo"] = GetDaysSinceLastUse().ToString();
                break;
        }

        analytics.PublishEvent(AnalyticsEventType.Usage, customData);
    }

    private TimeSpan GetTimeSinceInstall()
    {
        var installInfo = LoadInstallationInfo();
        return DateTime.UtcNow - installInfo.InstallDate;
    }
}

// Usage:
public class TrialManager
{
    private TrialConversionTracker conversionTracker;

    public void StartTrial()
    {
        // Track trial activation
        conversionTracker.TrackTrialStage(
            TrialConversionTracker.TrialStage.TrialActivated
        );

        // Start trial period
        BeginTrialPeriod();
    }

    public void OnApplicationLaunch()
    {
        // Track active usage
        conversionTracker.TrackTrialStage(
            TrialConversionTracker.TrialStage.ActiveUsage
        );
    }

    public void OnPurchaseCompleted()
    {
        // Track conversion!
        conversionTracker.TrackTrialStage(
            TrialConversionTracker.TrialStage.ConvertedToPaid
        );
    }
}
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Analyzing Analytics Data

QLM provides analytics dashboards:

Accessing Analytics via API 

public class AnalyticsReporter
{
    private LicenseValidator lv;

    public AnalyticsReport GetAnalytics(DateTime startDate, DateTime endDate)
    {
        string response;

        // Get installation analytics
        var installs = lv.QlmLicenseObject.GetInstalls(
            webServiceUrl: lv.QlmLicenseObject.DefaultWebServiceUrl,
            startDate: startDate,
            endDate: endDate,
            response: out response
        );

        // Get usage analytics
        var usage = lv.QlmLicenseObject.GetUsageStats(
            webServiceUrl: lv.QlmLicenseObject.DefaultWebServiceUrl,
            startDate: startDate,
            endDate: endDate,
            response: out response
        );

        // Calculate metrics
        var report = new AnalyticsReport
        {
            TotalInstalls = installs.Count,
            ActiveUsers = usage.Count(u => u.LastAccessedDate >= DateTime.UtcNow.AddDays(-30)),
            TrialConversionRate = CalculateConversionRate(installs, usage),
            AverageSessionDuration = CalculateAverageSessionDuration(usage),
            RetentionRate30Day = CalculateRetention(usage, 30),
            ChurnRate = CalculateChurnRate(usage)
        };

        return report;
    }

    private double CalculateConversionRate(
        List<Installation> installs,
        List<UsageStats> usage)
    {
        int trialInstalls = installs.Count(i => i.LicenseType == "Trial");
        int conversions = installs.Count(i => 
            i.LicenseType == "Trial" && 
            i.ConvertedToPaid
        );

        return trialInstalls > 0 
            ? (double)conversions / trialInstalls * 100 
            : 0;
    }
}

public class AnalyticsReport
{
    public int TotalInstalls { get; set; }
    public int ActiveUsers { get; set; }
    public double TrialConversionRate { get; set; }
    public TimeSpan AverageSessionDuration { get; set; }
    public double RetentionRate30Day { get; set; }
    public double ChurnRate { get; set; }
}
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Conversion Funnel Analysis 

public class ConversionFunnelAnalyzer
{
    public FunnelMetrics AnalyzeFunnel(DateTime startDate, DateTime endDate)
    {
        var metrics = new FunnelMetrics();

        // Stage 1: Downloads
        metrics.Downloads = GetDownloadCount(startDate, endDate);

        // Stage 2: Installations
        metrics.Installations = GetInstallCount(startDate, endDate);
        metrics.DownloadToInstallRate = 
            (double)metrics.Installations / metrics.Downloads * 100;

        // Stage 3: First Launch
        metrics.FirstLaunches = GetFirstLaunchCount(startDate, endDate);
        metrics.InstallToLaunchRate = 
            (double)metrics.FirstLaunches / metrics.Installations * 100;

        // Stage 4: Trial Activation
        metrics.TrialActivations = GetTrialActivationCount(startDate, endDate);
        metrics.LaunchToActivationRate = 
            (double)metrics.TrialActivations / metrics.FirstLaunches * 100;

        // Stage 5: Active Usage (3+ sessions)
        metrics.ActiveUsers = GetActiveUserCount(startDate, endDate, 3);
        metrics.ActivationToActiveRate = 
            (double)metrics.ActiveUsers / metrics.TrialActivations * 100;

        // Stage 6: Conversion to Paid
        metrics.Conversions = GetConversionCount(startDate, endDate);
        metrics.TrialToPaidRate = 
            (double)metrics.Conversions / metrics.TrialActivations * 100;

        // Overall funnel efficiency
        metrics.OverallConversionRate = 
            (double)metrics.Conversions / metrics.Downloads * 100;

        return metrics;
    }
}

public class FunnelMetrics
{
    public int Downloads { get; set; }
    public int Installations { get; set; }
    public int FirstLaunches { get; set; }
    public int TrialActivations { get; set; }
    public int ActiveUsers { get; set; }
    public int Conversions { get; set; }

    public double DownloadToInstallRate { get; set; }
    public double InstallToLaunchRate { get; set; }
    public double LaunchToActivationRate { get; set; }
    public double ActivationToActiveRate { get; set; }
    public double TrialToPaidRate { get; set; }
    public double OverallConversionRate { get; set; }

    public string GetBottleneck()
    {
        var rates = new Dictionary<string, double>
        {
            { "Download → Install", DownloadToInstallRate },
            { "Install → Launch", InstallToLaunchRate },
            { "Launch → Activation", LaunchToActivationRate },
            { "Activation → Active", ActivationToActiveRate },
            { "Trial → Paid", TrialToPaidRate }
        };

        return rates.OrderBy(r => r.Value).First().Key;
    }
}
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Cohort Analysis

Track groups of users over time:

public class CohortAnalyzer
{
    public class Cohort
    {
        public DateTime CohortDate { get; set; }
        public int InitialSize { get; set; }
        public Dictionary<int, int> RetentionByDay { get; set; }

        public double GetRetentionRate(int days)
        {
            if (RetentionByDay.ContainsKey(days))
            {
                return (double)RetentionByDay[days] / InitialSize * 100;
            }
            return 0;
        }
    }

    public List<Cohort> AnalyzeCohorts(int months)
    {
        var cohorts = new List<Cohort>();

        for (int i = 0; i < months; i++)
        {
            DateTime cohortDate = DateTime.UtcNow.AddMonths(-i);

            var cohort = new Cohort
            {
                CohortDate = cohortDate,
                InitialSize = GetInstallsInMonth(cohortDate),
                RetentionByDay = new Dictionary<int, int>()
            };

            // Calculate retention for days 1, 7, 14, 30, 60, 90
            int[] retentionDays = { 1, 7, 14, 30, 60, 90 };

            foreach (int days in retentionDays)
            {
                cohort.RetentionByDay[days] = 
                    GetActiveUsersAfterDays(cohortDate, days);
            }

            cohorts.Add(cohort);
        }

        return cohorts;
    }

    public void PrintCohortReport(List<Cohort> cohorts)
    {
        Console.WriteLine("COHORT RETENTION ANALYSIS");
        Console.WriteLine("========================\n");

        foreach (var cohort in cohorts)
        {
            Console.WriteLine($"Cohort: {cohort.CohortDate:yyyy-MM}");
            Console.WriteLine($"Initial Size: {cohort.InitialSize}");
            Console.WriteLine("Retention Rates:");
            Console.WriteLine($"  Day 1:  {cohort.GetRetentionRate(1):F1}%");
            Console.WriteLine($"  Day 7:  {cohort.GetRetentionRate(7):F1}%");
            Console.WriteLine($"  Day 30: {cohort.GetRetentionRate(30):F1}%");
            Console.WriteLine($"  Day 90: {cohort.GetRetentionRate(90):F1}%");
            Console.WriteLine();
        }
    }
}
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Privacy & GDPR Compliance

Important considerations when tracking analytics:

public class PrivacyCompliantAnalytics
{
    public class AnalyticsConsent
    {
        public bool HasConsented { get; set; }
        public DateTime ConsentDate { get; set; }
        public string ConsentVersion { get; set; }
    }

    public bool GetUserConsent()
    {
        // Show privacy dialog
        var dialog = new PrivacyConsentDialog();
        dialog.ShowDialog();

        if (dialog.UserConsented)
        {
            StoreConsent(new AnalyticsConsent
            {
                HasConsented = true,
                ConsentDate = DateTime.UtcNow,
                ConsentVersion = "1.0"
            });

            return true;
        }

        return false;
    }

    public void AnonymizeData(string activationKey)
    {
        // Remove personally identifiable information
        var analytics = new AnalyticsPublisher(
            "settings.xml",
            "MyApplication",
            "1.0.0"
        );

        // Use anonymized identifiers
        string anonymousID = HashActivationKey(activationKey);

        var customData = new Dictionary<string, string>
        {
            { "AnonymousID", anonymousID },
            { "PII_Removed", "true" }
        };

        analytics.PublishEvent(AnalyticsEventType.Usage, customData);
    }

    public void DeleteUserData(string activationKey)
    {
        // GDPR Right to Erasure
        var lv = new LicenseValidator("settings.xml");

        string response;
        bool success = lv.QlmLicenseObject.DeleteAnalyticsData(
            webServiceUrl: lv.QlmLicenseObject.DefaultWebServiceUrl,
            activationKey: activationKey,
            response: out response
        );

        if (success)
        {
            Console.WriteLine("Analytics data deleted successfully");
        }
    }
}
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Best Practices

1. Never Block on Analytics 

public class NonBlockingAnalytics
{
    public static void PublishAsync(AnalyticsEventType eventType)
    {
        // ALWAYS use async/background threads
        Task.Run(() =>
        {
            try
            {
                var analytics = new AnalyticsPublisher(
                    "settings.xml",
                    "MyApp",
                    "1.0"
                );

                analytics.PublishEvent(eventType);
            }
            catch
            {
                // Silently fail - never crash the app
            }
        });
    }
}
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2. Batch Analytics Events 

public class BatchedAnalytics
{
    private static Queue<AnalyticsEvent> eventQueue = new Queue<AnalyticsEvent>();
    private static Timer batchTimer;

    public static void QueueEvent(AnalyticsEvent evt)
    {
        lock (eventQueue)
        {
            eventQueue.Enqueue(evt);

            // Flush when queue reaches 10 events
            if (eventQueue.Count >= 10)
            {
                FlushEvents();
            }
        }
    }

    private static void FlushEvents()
    {
        Task.Run(() =>
        {
            lock (eventQueue)
            {
                while (eventQueue.Count > 0)
                {
                    var evt = eventQueue.Dequeue();
                    PublishEvent(evt);
                }
            }
        });
    }
}
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3. Handle Offline Scenarios 

public class OfflineAnalytics
{
    private static string offlineStoragePath = 
        Path.Combine(
            Environment.GetFolderPath(Environment.SpecialFolder.LocalApplicationData),
            "MyApp",
            "pending_analytics.json"
        );

    public static void PublishEvent(AnalyticsEvent evt)
    {
        if (IsOnline())
        {
            // Send immediately
            SendToServer(evt);
        }
        else
        {
            // Queue for later
            QueueOfflineEvent(evt);
        }
    }

    public static void FlushOfflineEvents()
    {
        if (!IsOnline()) return;

        var pendingEvents = LoadOfflineEvents();

        foreach (var evt in pendingEvents)
        {
            SendToServer(evt);
        }

        ClearOfflineEvents();
    }
}
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Using Quick License Manager Analytics

Quick License Manager provides enterprise analytics:

✅ Built-in dashboards - Installs, usage, conversions

✅ Conversion funnel tracking - Download to paid

✅ Cohort analysis - Retention by install date

✅ Feature usage tracking - Which features are used

✅ Platform analytics - Windows, Mac, Linux breakdowns

✅ Product analytics - Multiple products in one dashboard

✅ Automatic publishing - Built into LicenseValidator

✅ API access - Query analytics programmatically

Download QLM and start tracking analytics today.

Conclusion

Software analytics transform guesswork into knowledge. By tracking the complete lifecycle—downloads, installs, usage, features, and conversions—you can:

  1. Optimize conversion funnels - Identify and fix bottlenecks
  2. Improve retention - Understand why users churn
  3. Prioritize development - Build features users actually use
  4. Forecast revenue - Predict conversions and renewals
  5. Reduce support costs - Proactively identify issues

Companies that implement comprehensive analytics improve trial conversion by 30-50% and reduce churn by 20-35% within the first year.

Quick License Manager includes enterprise-grade analytics out of the box with dashboards, cohort analysis, and conversion tracking—no additional development required.

Resources

What analytics do you track in your software? What metrics matter most? Share in the comments! 💬

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