What is the Software Network SDK?
The OpenCandy Software Network matches developers seeking new users with developers seeking to earn income by offering products they think are interesting and valuable. When a developer decides to show recommendations powered by OpenCandy in their software installer we provide a software development kit (SDK) that includes our network client software and some documentation on how to use it. Developers add the client software into their own downloads and use it to make select recommendations when their installer is run.
The OpenCandy network client:
- Connects product installers to the OpenCandy Network
- Fetches and displays offers powered by OpenCandy
- Helps download and install offers that are accepted
What do recommendations powered by OpenCandy look like?
Recommendations powered by OpenCandy are displayed just like any other screen in the installation process. They describe the recommended product and present clear choices to the user in a non-deceptive manner.
This is a typical example of a recommendation powered by OpenCandy:
OpenCandy allows advertisers and developers to mutually agree on whether offers are opt-in or opt-out.
When an offer is accepted, the OpenCandy network client downloads and installs the offer. For some offers an offer download manager may be displayed. The appearance and operation of the offer download manager varies, but generally it looks similar to this:
How do I integrate the OpenCandy SDK?
We provide dedicated SDKs for the following platforms (contact us for others):
- NSIS
- Inno Setup
- Wise
- C++
Each SDK is customized to make integration with your installer quick and easy and includes a step-by-step integration guide for you to follow. For every platform we provide source code for a fully-functional sample installer that you can use as a reference project, or as the basis for your own installer. If you don’t already have an installer, check out our comparison of prominent installer platforms before you decide which SDK to use.
For most platforms integrating the OpenCandy SDK simply involves copying and pasting some code snippets into your installer script, and can be done in under half an hour. You don’t even need an OpenCandy account to get started! You can download the OpenCandy Publisher Kit and start working with the SDK straight away. Using the built-in default product keys you’ll see sample offers until you complete our developer sign-up process.
- During the sign-up process the OpenCandy team will review your product to ensure it meets our software network policies, and will contact you with partner account information if you are approved.
- Once approved, you will be able to retrieve your product-specific SDK keys from our partner console.
- The OpenCandy team will review your SDK integration and verify your product continues to meet our software network policies.
- You will work with the OpenCandy team to select which offers you want to recommend during your product installation.
- OpenCandy will activate recommendations for your installer.
Where can I get help with integration questions?
You can access developer FAQs and ask for integration support on our developer support site.
Does OpenCandy get installed with my product?
No, the OpenCandy network client is extracted temporarily during your installation process to support recommendations powered by OpenCandy and cleans itself up automatically after any accepted offers are installed or cancelled.
Where can I find privacy information?
Check out our Privacy Matters page.
