Set up a concurrent license server

There are three things you need to run a concurrent license server:

1. A server/computer on the same network as the users of the programs
   System Requirements For Setting Up A License Server
2. Sentinel RMS License Manager, version 9.7 or newer, installed on the license server
3. Golden Software License Administrator, version 3.1 or newer, installed on the license server

Instructions for how to set up a license server can be found below.

A license server must be set up on a computer on your company's network to serve concurrent use licenses. The license server can be a dedicated server, physical or virtual, or the license server can be one of the end user computers. The license server should use a static IP address. The setup is performed in three parts: install the Sentinel RMS License Manager, install the License Administrator, and activate your concurrent use licenses.

Surfer, Grapher, and Strater concurrent use licenses can be distributed over a number of network configurations. These include internal LAN networks as well as private and public WAN networks. User's can VPN in to the server network or RDP into a computer on the network. To set up a license server on a virtual machine, please visit Use a virtual machine or IPv6 network for concurrent license server

A license server also requires that UDP port 5093 be opened.  UDP port 5093 is opened (if permitted) during installation of the Sentinel RMS License Manager. Note that TCP port 5093 is not used, only UDP port 5093 is required.

1. Install the License Manager

It is recommended to start by installing the Sentinel RMS License Manager. If your server already has a Sentinel RMS License Manager installed, verify the RMS version is the same or newer than the latest version in the compatibility table.

You can install or upgrade the version of RMS License Manager with the following installation instructions (please visit Golden Software Downloads page for the latest version of Sentinel RMS License Manager):

1. Download the installation file by following the instructions in the Download Instructions email you received after placing your order

2. Double-click the setup.exe file to run the installer

3. Follow the prompts in the Sentinel RMS License Manager - InstallShield Wizard. We recommend you perform a Complete installation to maximize compatibility with other software

4. Close the Sentinel RMS License Manager - InstallShield Wizard once the installation is complete

The License Manager is not visible in the Windows Start menu applications list and does not have a user interface; this program runs in the background. To verify the License Manager is installed or to stop, start, or restart the License Manager, locate the Sentinel RMS License Manager in the Windows Services application. See How to Check the License Manager Version if a Sentinel RMS License Manager may already be installed on your server.

2. Install the License Administrator

After the License Manager is installed, proceed by installing the License Administrator. The License Administrator must be installed on the server for full functionality. The License Administrator can also be installed on client computers or other computers to view current usage remotely.

1. Download the installation file by following the instructions in the Download Instructions email you received after placing your order or visit Golden Software Downloads page and navigate to the License Administrator section

2. Double-click the file to run the installer

3. Follow the prompts in the License Administrator - InstallAware Wizard

4. Close the License Administrator - InstallAware Wizard once the installation is complete

Video: How to set up a license server for concurrent use licenses

3. Activate your concurrent use license

For concurrent use activations, follow the instruction below.

1. Open the License Administrator

2. Select the Activate tab

3. Enter your Product Key and click Activate

4. Click Done when the Activation is complete message is displayed

4. Connect client software to the license server

After the license server has been set up, you can install the program on your computer and get a seat from the license server by follow the instruction below. 

1. Install and open the program on the end users PC.  The PC should be on the same local network as the license server.  If you are not sure, ask your IT administrator
2. Click Select License Server in the Licensing dialog
3. In the License Server Selection dialog, you can either search for license servers on the local network, or you can type in the name or IP address of the license server  Then click Search
4. Click the arrow in the results field to see the list of all license servers on the network
5. When you have selected the license server from the list, click Get License

Video: How to connect client computer to the license server

If you require assistance setting up your license server, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customer Success team by creating a new ticket here. Our legendary support agents will be happy to answer with any setup questions, or assist with any issues you may face during the setup process.