Methods and systems for activating an add-on software component independently of any host application with which the add-on component is compatible are described. Consistent with some embodiments, an add-on manager module can be invoked from any host application that is part of a suite of applications. The add-on manager module displays a list of add-on components that are installed, and compatible with a particular host application. After receiving product activation data (e.g., serial number or product key) for a particular installed add-on component, a license verification operation is performed to validate the product activation data, and activate the add-on component for use with a host application.