I have developed a product to protect digital images from copy theft. My solution makes use of an number of existing technologies, including encryption, but I believe the ensemble to be unique. What's the best way of benefiting from it?

The way I see it, I have two options:

1. I could take my idea to large corporations with an NDA & ask them take up my idea.

or,

2. I could market my own product as shareware, and hope to get some return that way. I have already developed my solution to a near complete & serviceable stage, so this option is tempting me.

Additionally, I could patent the process behind my solution. But this is expensive & do not have the resources to protect my patent in any case.

While option 1 may get me a quick return theoretically, I see this as a potential minefield and my NDA may not be respected. In any case, given the current climate, I don't see many potential suitors.

Option 2 brings me a lot extra work, with the probability of smaller returns. I don't have the skills (or time) to market my product successfully, so I would have to find someone to help me. I would also be demonstrating my solution to everyone in the process. So while my product may remain unsuccessful, another company, with some marketing clout, could copy it & take the rewards.

What should I do?