Software License Management

[nwrigley]

I've worked as a computer consultant at a University where in certain labs they would have a set number of licenses for some of the more expensive software. These licenses were shared by all of the computers in the lab (lets say 60), but only 20 systems at any given time could have the software running even though it could be accessed from any of the 60 systems assuming there were still unused licenses available.

How do you go about deploying such a set-up in an office setting? I really have no idea how this is accomplished. I tried googling it but didn't know what I was searching for. Any answers or pointing in the right direction would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Pulsar]

You would probably have better luck in the networking or software - apps sections.

 

[Aluvus]

Generally one computer acts as a license server. When a client system wants to launch the software, it attempts to check out a license from the license server. When a client stops running the software, it notifies the server that another seat is now available. This is how programs like SolidWorks, various Cadence programs, etc. work.

 

[nwrigley]

Thanks for the replies, I wasn't sure which forum to post this in. I'll post in the networking forum.