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Overview

This page covers software licensing and product details. You'll learn about our three main licensing methods (Hardkey, Softkey, Online Activation) and the procedures for license migration and termination. We'll detail the types of licenses we offer and classify our products by series, model, and family.

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About The Evaluation Version

Our platform doesn't require a license for you to explore the engineering space! With the evaluation version, you'll be able to run the solution for only 2 hours, but there is no limitation on engineering time.

When installing in a business production environment, a license is required. The license terms do not allow using the 2-hour execution for that purpose, except for training purposes.

Licensing Methods

The licensing methods include Hardkey, Softkey, and Online Activation. 

Note
titleLicensing on VMs

To prevent license invalidation when using a VM, ensure the VM hardware configuration remains consistent. Avoid changes to hardware components such as network adapters, video cards, or hard drives, as these may impact the license validity.

Hardkey

A hardkey license is stored on a flash drive sent to the client. The advantage of using a hardkey is that the license is not linked to a single computer, unlike softkey licenses.

If the flash drive goes missing, a new license must be acquired, as there is no replacement for the lost hardkey.

Softkey

The softkey license is generated by the equipment SiteCode. In order to obtain this file, do the following steps:

  • Go to the Solution Manager / Your License and click Get site code.

  • Send the generated file to a Tatsoft employee, and they will generate a license key.



  • Licensing and Activation (Reference)

    This reference provides comprehensive technical documentation for all licensing methods, activation procedures, and license management operations.

    Related Topics:


    Evaluation Version

    Capabilities and Limitations

    FeatureEvaluationLicensed
    Engineering TimeUnlimitedUnlimited
    Runtime Execution4 hours maxUnlimited
    Solution SizeNo limitPer license
    FeaturesAll enabledPer license
    Training UseAllowedAllowed
    Production UseNot permittedPermitted

    Licensing Methods

    Method Comparison

    MethodDescriptionPortableTransferableInternet Required
    HardkeyUSB dongleYesPhysical transferNo
    SoftkeyMachine-lockedNoVia procedureNo
    Online ActivationCloud-basedNoYes (deactivate)For activation
    Offline ActivationFile-basedNoVia procedureNo
    License ServerNetwork sharedN/AN/ANetwork only

    Virtual Machine Considerations

    ?? Important: Maintain consistent VM hardware configuration to prevent license invalidation:

    • Network adapters
    • Video cards
    • Hard drives
    • CPU configuration
    • Memory allocation

    Hardkey License

    Specifications

    PropertyValue
    MediaUSB flash drive
    PortabilityMove between computers
    BackupNot possible
    RecoveryMust purchase new if lost
    DetectionAutomatic when inserted

    Usage

    1. Insert USB dongle
    2. License auto-detected
    3. Remove to transfer to another computer
    4. No deactivation needed

    Softkey License

    Generation Process

    1. Get Site Code
      • Solution Center → License Information
      • Click "Get Site Code"
      • Save generated file
    2. Submit for Processing
      • Send SiteCode to vendor
      • Provide purchase order/contract info
      • Wait for license generation
    3. Install License
      • Receive LicenseKey file
      • Click "Load License Key"
      • Select received file
      • License activated

    Site Code Contents

    InformationPurpose
    Machine IDHardware fingerprint
    OS VersionCompatibility check
    Product VersionLicense matching
    Request DateValidation

    Online Activation

    Process

    1. Obtain Credentials
      • Serial Number (format: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX)
      • Activation Code (format: XXXX-XXXX)
    2. Activate
      • Solution Center → License Information
      • Click "Online Activation"
      • Enter credentials
      • Internet connection required
      • Instant activation

    Benefits

    FeatureDescription
    DeactivationCan transfer to new machine
    ReactivationMove between computers
    ManagementOnline portal access
    HistoryActivation tracking

    Offline Activation

    When to Use

    • No internet connection
    • Secure/isolated networks
    • Corporate firewall restrictions

    Process

    1. Generate Request
      • Click "Get Site Code"
      • Save request file
      • Transfer via USB/email
    2. Process Offline
      • Submit to vendor portal
      • Or email to support
      • Receive license file
    3. Install License
      • Transfer license file to target
      • Click "Load License Key"
      • Select file
      • Activated without internet

    License Server

    Overview

    Centralized license distribution across network.

    Configuration Requirements

    ComponentServerClient
    SoftwareFrameworX installedFrameworX installed
    LicenseServer license (multi-seat)None
    ServiceTWebService runningNetwork access
    Port10108 (default)Same port

    Setup Process

    Server Side:

    1. Install server license
    2. Start TWebService
    3. Verify port accessibility
    4. Check available seats

    Client Side:

    1. Create RemoteLicenseService.config
    2. Configure: RemoteServer=<IP>:<Port>
    3. Place in: C:\Users\Public\Documents\FrameworX\MachineSettings
    4. Restart application

    For detailed setup, see License Server (Reference)


    License Types

    Type Comparison

    TypeEdit SolutionRun SolutionDurationRemote Edit
    RuntimeNoUnlimitedPermanentYes*
    DeveloperYes7 days maxPermanentYes
    CombinedYesUnlimitedPermanentYes
    TrialYesLimitedTime-boundYes

    *Via remote connection from engineering license

    Runtime License

    • Production execution only
    • No Designer access locally
    • Remote editing supported
    • Ideal for deployed systems

    Developer License

    • Full engineering capabilities
    • 7-day runtime for testing
    • Not for production
    • Validation/maintenance use

    Product Families

    Family Comparison

    FamilyTarget MarketScalabilityFeatures
    FrameworXEnterpriseUnlimitedAll features
    FactoryStudioIndustrialBy pointsSCADA/MES/HMI
    MachineHMIOEMBy pointsMachine-level
    EdgeConnectIoTBy connectionsData gateway

    Model Tiers

    PointsTypical UseSystem Size
    150Single machineSmall
    300Machine cellSmall-Medium
    500DepartmentMedium
    1500Plant areaMedium-Large
    5000Full plantLarge
    UnlimitedEnterpriseAny size

    Premium Protocols

    Additional cost drivers requiring separate licensing:

    • Some proprietary protocols
    • Advanced historian connectors
    • Enterprise integrations

    See Communication Drivers for included vs premium protocols.


    License Migration Procedures

    Computer to Computer

    StepActionPurpose
    1Generate SiteCode from originalIdentify current license
    2Receive temporary licenseMaintain operation
    3Install temporary on originalFree permanent license
    4Generate SiteCode againVerify temporary active
    5Generate SiteCode from new PCTarget identification
    6Receive permanent for newFinal license
    7Install on new computerComplete migration

    Softkey to Hardkey

    StepActionNotes
    1Generate SiteCodeCurrent softkey machine
    2Install temporary licenseFrees softkey
    3Insert USB hardkeyPhysical dongle
    4Generate new SiteCodeWith dongle attached
    5Load hardkey licenseActivates dongle

    License Termination

    StepActionResult
    1Generate SiteCodeCurrent state
    2Install temporary (3-10 days)Limited operation
    3Generate final SiteCodeVerify temp active
    4License terminatedCan't be reactivated

    License Information Panel

    Display Fields

    FieldDescriptionExample
    Product FamilyLicense editionFactoryStudio
    Product ModelPoint/tag limit1500 tags
    License TypeDev/Runtime/CombinedCombined
    Serial NumberUnique identifier1234-5678-9012
    Engineering UsersConcurrent developers5
    ExpirationEnd date (if applicable)2025-12-31
    Hardkey StatusDongle detectionPresent/Absent

    OEM Integration

    Embedding Options

    TypeDescriptionUse Case
    Software BundleEmbedded in applicationISV solutions
    Hardware LockTied to deviceIndustrial PCs
    Cloud LicenseSaaS modelSubscription

    Contact sales@tatsoft.com for OEM requirements.


    Troubleshooting

    Common Issues

    ProblemCauseSolution
    License not foundWrong locationCheck installation folder
    Invalid licenseExpired/wrong productVerify expiration and product
    Hardkey not detectedUSB issueTry different port
    Network license failsConnection issueCheck server and port
    VM license invalidHardware changedMaintain VM configuration

    License Files

    FileLocationPurpose
    SiteCode.txtUser-definedRequest file
    LicenseKey.licUser-definedLicense file
    RemoteLicenseService.configMachineSettings folderNetwork config

    Best Practices

    Security

    • Store license files securely
    • Document serial numbers
    • Restrict license server access
    • Regular backup of licenses

    Management

    • Monitor expiration dates
    • Plan renewals 30 days ahead
    • Keep vendor contact info
    • Document migration procedures

    Virtual Environments

    • Snapshot after licensing
    • Document VM configuration
    • Avoid hardware changes
    • Test restore procedures

    See Also

    Parent Page:

    Related Pages:

    Click the Loadlicensekey button on the License Information to load the received key.

    Online Activation

    With the online activation, a softkey license is generated, which is not linked to a computer.

    The advantage of using an online activation license over the regular Softkey license is that it can be deactivated and reactivated in order to switch equipment.

    To activate a license, go to the Solution Manager / License Information and click the OnlineActivation Activate button. Enter your SerialNumber and ActivationCode in the popup window that appears. 

    Offline Activation

    This activation method allows to license computers that are not connected with the internet. 

    To activate a license, go to the Solution Manager / License Information and click the Get Site Code button

    This procedure will allow you create a file with information about your installation, Send that file to your supplier, or distributor, to receive back a LicenseKey file.

    Once in possession of the LicenseKey file,  go to the Solution Manager / License Information and click the Load License Key button, and selected the LicenseKey File.

    The new license will be applied to the computer. 

    License Server

    This license models deploys a Server providing licenses to any device on that local network. 

    For information, check the License Server (Reference) page.

    OEM embedding 

    The platform also support License Sever and embedding licenses into OEM software solutions or physical devices. For more information if you have those requirements, contact us!

    License Types

    The License Types include:

    Runtime

    Users are not allowed to edit a Solution. However, the ‘.tproj’ or ‘.dbsln’ file can run without limitations. A Solution can be edited even if it is located on equipment licensed for RuntimeOnly. To do so, a product with an Engineering license can perform a remote connection to the RuntimeOnly (through the Solution Manager / Server Information). That way, a single Engineering license can edit multiple Solutions deployed on site. 

    Developer

    A Developer license allows maintenance and validation stations to run the solutions for up to seven days.

    Product Model and Family

    The number of maximum communication points available for a solution can be adjusted according to the license type.

    The existing licenses types are:

    • FrameworX

    • FactoryStudio

    • MachineHMI

    • EdgeConnect

    The current License type, designed Product Family, and Product Model can be found in the Your License.

    See more about Product Families and Models at Product Series.

    There are many communication protocols available regardless the license, however, some Premium communication protocols must be acquired separately.

    See more about the protocols included and the Premium ones at Communication Drivers

    Procedures to Migrate or Kill a License

    Migrating from One Computer to Another

    1. Send the SiteCode file from the original computer.

    2. The SiteCode will be processed, and you will receive a temporary license to install on the original computer.

    3. Install the temporary license on the original computer.

    4. After installing the temporary license on the original computer, generate and send the SiteCode file from the original computer again. This verifies that the temporary license has been installed properly.

    5. Generate and send the SiteCode file from the new computer.

    6. The SiteCode will be processed, and you will receive the license for the new computer.

    7. Install the new permanent license on the new computer.

    Migrate a Softkey to Hardkey License

    1. Send the SiteCode file from the computer.

    2. The SiteCode will be processed, and you will receive a temporary license to install on the computer.

    3. Install the temporary license on the computer.

    4. Attach the USB LicenseKey to the computer.

    5. Generate and send the new SiteCode file after the temporary license has been installed.

    6. The SiteCode will be processed, and you will receive a LicenseKey file to load onto the computer with the USB LicenseKey.

    Killing a License

  • Send the SiteCode file from the computer.

  • The SiteCode will be processed, and you will receive a temporary (3-10 days) license to install on the original computer.

  • Install the temporary license on the original computer.

  • After installing the temporary license on the original computer, generate and send the SiteCode file from the original computer again. This verifies that the license has been applied properly.


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