Network Floating License Seat Setup
Using the Network Floating License system with Egan BIM Resources apps:
Overview
The Network Floating License system uses a simple Exclusive File Locking technique with a Local File Server to track the number of concurrent users on the network where all users are connected to the same folder for sharing files.
No Internet access is required. No special server software needs to be installed on a dedicated server.
This type of architecture is ideally suited for use in high-speed LAN environments, but may also be used in most moderate speed WAN environments. If you need to test your environment, contact us for assistance.
No Internet access is required. No special server software needs to be installed on a dedicated server.
This type of architecture is ideally suited for use in high-speed LAN environments, but may also be used in most moderate speed WAN environments. If you need to test your environment, contact us for assistance.
Setting up the local file share
Identify a location for the local file share. You can use an existing share, create a new share or create a new subfolder under an existing share. The location must be identified to the app in UNC format. (\\Servername\sharename or \\Servername\sharename\Licensefolder\apps)
Do not use a mapped drive. If your selected location is on a drive that is mapped for other purposes, that is okay, but the location must be identified in UNC format.
Provide all users who will use this licensing system location with access to read, create, write, modify, and delete files on the shared location.
Do not use a mapped drive. If your selected location is on a drive that is mapped for other purposes, that is okay, but the location must be identified in UNC format.
Provide all users who will use this licensing system location with access to read, create, write, modify, and delete files on the shared location.
Activate the license
On one computer only, in Revit, use the app’s Settings Menu to select “Enable/ Disable Network Floating Licensing.” Check the box labeled “Enable Network Floating Licensing.” Browse to the local file share location established in the step above. Close the form.
Use the app’s Settings Menu again to select “Manage License for...” Click “Activate Online.” Enter your License ID and Password. “Click “Activate.”
The Network Floating License is now ready to be used.
Note: Do not activate the license on any additional computers.
Use the app’s Settings Menu again to select “Manage License for...” Click “Activate Online.” Enter your License ID and Password. “Click “Activate.”
The Network Floating License is now ready to be used.
Note: Do not activate the license on any additional computers.
Set up additional computers
Install the app on additional computers as required. In Revit, use the app’s Settings Menu to select “Enable/ Disable Network Floating Licensing.” Check the box labeled “Enable Network Floating Licensing.” Browse to the local file share established above. Close the form.
Run an app command to verify that the license seat has been acquired properly. Return the seat and move on to the next computer.
Run an app command to verify that the license seat has been acquired properly. Return the seat and move on to the next computer.
Using the Floating License
The app will attempt to acquire an available seat whenever one of its commands is run. However, most apps have multiple commands and the app has no way to determine when the user is actually done with the app. Therefore, the user must explicitly use the “Return Floating Seat” command to return the license and make it available for another user.
If no seat is available when a request is made, the app will stop on the “Manage License for..” Form. Users with seats currently checked out can be displayed in the “Current users” pulldown.
Also, on the “Manage License for…” Form, there is a setting labeled "After Acquiring a Floating License, display this form for X seconds." This setting also applies to the “Floating License Seat Returned” Form, and may be changed as necessary for your situation.
The app keeps a usage log in the share location to help with usage, identifying missing licenses and troubleshooting.
If no seat is available when a request is made, the app will stop on the “Manage License for..” Form. Users with seats currently checked out can be displayed in the “Current users” pulldown.
Also, on the “Manage License for…” Form, there is a setting labeled "After Acquiring a Floating License, display this form for X seconds." This setting also applies to the “Floating License Seat Returned” Form, and may be changed as necessary for your situation.
The app keeps a usage log in the share location to help with usage, identifying missing licenses and troubleshooting.