I'm looking to buy a business directory script and at least four reviewers for it stated that the source code was encrypted and that their server would have to validate the license in order for me to log in to the admin area. Their concern was that if their servers were down, then so would theirs. The owner has denied these claims. However, can four to five different people be wrong? How can I test, before I buy (with their demo version) if the "validation" is not done by their servers. How can I test to see if the directory script is in fact standalone and independent? And why would the source code be encrypted? Thanks!