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.
On this page:
Licensing and Activation (Reference)
This reference provides comprehensive technical documentation for all licensing methods, activation procedures, and license management operations.
Related Topics:
- Solution Center (Reference) - Main interface
- License Server (Reference) - Network licensing
- Product Series - Product families and models
Evaluation Version
Capabilities and Limitations
| Feature | Evaluation | Licensed |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Time | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Runtime Execution | 2 hours max | Unlimited |
| Solution Size | No limit | Per license |
| Features | All enabled | Per license |
| Training Use | Allowed | Allowed |
| Production Use | Not permitted | Permitted |
Licensing Methods
Method Comparison
| Method | Description | Portable | Transferable | Internet Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardkey | USB dongle | Yes | Physical transfer | No |
| Softkey | Machine-locked | No | Via procedure | No |
| Online Activation | Cloud-based | No | Yes (deactivate) | For activation |
| Offline Activation | File-based | No | Via procedure | No |
| License Server | Network shared | N/A | N/A | Network 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
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Media | USB flash drive |
| Portability | Move between computers |
| Backup | Not possible |
| Recovery | Must purchase new if lost |
| Detection | Automatic when inserted |
Usage
- Insert USB dongle
- License auto-detected
- Remove to transfer to another computer
- No deactivation needed
Softkey License
Generation Process
- Get Site Code
- Solution Center → License Information
- Click "Get Site Code"
- Save generated file
- Submit for Processing
- Send SiteCode to vendor
- Provide purchase order/contract info
- Wait for license generation
- Install License
- Receive LicenseKey file
- Click "Load License Key"
- Select received file
- License activated
Site Code Contents
| Information | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Machine ID | Hardware fingerprint |
| OS Version | Compatibility check |
| Product Version | License matching |
| Request Date | Validation |
Online Activation
Process
- Obtain Credentials
- Serial Number (format: XXXX-XXXX-XXXX)
- Activation Code (format: XXXX-XXXX)
- Activate
- Solution Center → License Information
- Click "Online Activation"
- Enter credentials
- Internet connection required
- Instant activation
Benefits
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Deactivation | Can transfer to new machine |
| Reactivation | Move between computers |
| Management | Online portal access |
| History | Activation tracking |
Offline Activation
When to Use
- No internet connection
- Secure/isolated networks
- Corporate firewall restrictions
Process
- Generate Request
- Click "Get Site Code"
- Save request file
- Transfer via USB/email
- Process Offline
- Submit to vendor portal
- Or email to support
- Receive license file
- 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
| Component | Server | Client |
|---|---|---|
| Software | FrameworX installed | FrameworX installed |
| License | Server license (multi-seat) | None |
| Service | TWebService running | Network access |
| Port | 10108 (default) | Same port |
Setup Process
Server Side:
- Install server license
- Start TWebService
- Verify port accessibility
- Check available seats
Client Side:
- Create RemoteLicenseService.config
- Configure:
RemoteServer=<IP>:<Port> - Place in:
C:\Users\Public\Documents\FrameworX\MachineSettings - Restart application
For detailed setup, see License Server (Reference)
License Types
Type Comparison
| Type | Edit Solution | Run Solution | Duration | Remote Edit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runtime | No | Unlimited | Permanent | Yes* |
| Developer | Yes | 7 days max | Permanent | Yes |
| Combined | Yes | Unlimited | Permanent | Yes |
| Trial | Yes | Limited | Time-bound | Yes |
*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
| Family | Target Market | Scalability | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| FrameworX | Enterprise | Unlimited | All features |
| FactoryStudio | Industrial | By points | SCADA/MES/HMI |
| MachineHMI | OEM | By points | Machine-level |
| EdgeConnect | IoT | By connections | Data gateway |
Model Tiers
| Points | Typical Use | System Size |
|---|---|---|
| 150 | Single machine | Small |
| 300 | Machine cell | Small-Medium |
| 500 | Department | Medium |
| 1500 | Plant area | Medium-Large |
| 5000 | Full plant | Large |
| Unlimited | Enterprise | Any 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
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Generate SiteCode from original | Identify current license |
| 2 | Receive temporary license | Maintain operation |
| 3 | Install temporary on original | Free permanent license |
| 4 | Generate SiteCode again | Verify temporary active |
| 5 | Generate SiteCode from new PC | Target identification |
| 6 | Receive permanent for new | Final license |
| 7 | Install on new computer | Complete migration |
Softkey to Hardkey
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Generate SiteCode | Current softkey machine |
| 2 | Install temporary license | Frees softkey |
| 3 | Insert USB hardkey | Physical dongle |
| 4 | Generate new SiteCode | With dongle attached |
| 5 | Load hardkey license | Activates dongle |
License Termination
| Step | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Generate SiteCode | Current state |
| 2 | Install temporary (3-10 days) | Limited operation |
| 3 | Generate final SiteCode | Verify temp active |
| 4 | License terminated | Can't be reactivated |
License Information Panel
Display Fields
| Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Product Family | License edition | FactoryStudio |
| Product Model | Point/tag limit | 1500 tags |
| License Type | Dev/Runtime/Combined | Combined |
| Serial Number | Unique identifier | 1234-5678-9012 |
| Engineering Users | Concurrent developers | 5 |
| Expiration | End date (if applicable) | 2025-12-31 |
| Hardkey Status | Dongle detection | Present/Absent |
OEM Integration
Embedding Options
| Type | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Software Bundle | Embedded in application | ISV solutions |
| Hardware Lock | Tied to device | Industrial PCs |
| Cloud License | SaaS model | Subscription |
Contact sales@tatsoft.com for OEM requirements.
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| License not found | Wrong location | Check installation folder |
| Invalid license | Expired/wrong product | Verify expiration and product |
| Hardkey not detected | USB issue | Try different port |
| Network license fails | Connection issue | Check server and port |
| VM license invalid | Hardware changed | Maintain VM configuration |
License Files
| File | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SiteCode.txt | User-defined | Request file |
| LicenseKey.lic | User-defined | License file |
| RemoteLicenseService.config | MachineSettings folder | Network 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:
- Solution Center (Reference) - Main interface
Related Pages:
- License Server (Reference) - Network licensing details
- Product Series - Product comparison
- Service Verification - Service setup
In this section:
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