Application note 1014: OpenLM support for the Sentinel HASP license manager

Posted on October 30, 2011 by orik

General

OpenLM versions 1.6 and higher feature the ability to monitor Sentinel HASP and Sentinel RMS license servers. OpenLM supports the full functionality of the system for HASP and RMS licenses:

License inventory reporting.
Managing active users.
License billing.
Statistics and charts.
End user productivity tools, and more

Along with the support for SafeNet Sentinel software, OpenLM also supports FLEXlm, FLEXnet, IBM LUM, RLM and LM-X.

OpenLM system requirements

OpenLM supports HASP versions 5.0 and higher. Versions 3 & 4 are not supported.

Adding a Sentinel HASP Server

Please follow the action list below to add a new HASP license server. Observe the following image for further clarification.

Open the OpenLM Server configuration tool, on the License Servers tab (1).
Click the “Add” button to create a new License manager entry (2).

Select HASP from the “Type” drop-down menu (3).
Server connectivity configuration (4):

Hostname: Type in the HASP server name or IP (e.g.: new_hasp_server).
Port: Type in the port of the “Sentinel Hasp Control Admin Center”. This value is by default 1947.
Is Triad Configuration: Click the check box according to the License server’s configuration.

Additional information (5):

Add an informative description of the License Server (e.g.: My HASP license manager).
Select the time zone.

Finalization (6):

Check the “Enabled” check box
Click the “Apply” button

HASP Server Settings

If the OpenLM Server is installed on the same machine as the HASP license serve, then no additional setting is required.
If OpenLM Server is installed on a different machine than that of the HASP server, Open the “Sentinel Hasp Admin Control Center” port (default 1947) on the firewall. Change the settings of “Sentinel Hasp Admin Control Center” to “Allow Remote Access to ACC”. See the image below for clarification.

OpenLM EasyAdmin display screenshots

OpenLM may display the Sentinel HASP License inventory (below):

As well as other license usage information, such as the currently active products (below):

Application Note 1010: OpenLM license management system Complete Installation guide.

Posted on October 30, 2011 by orik

General:

This guide describes the process of Installing the OpenLM license management system version 1.7, and applying its basic configurations to get it running in a client company’s work environment. The setup process consists of the following stages:

Selecting the system’s components according to the system’s requirements
Installing the OpenLM components
Configuring the OpenLM components
Setting up the OpenLM database
Running OpenLM 1.7, checking its proper functionality

Components of the OpenLM system

OpenLM’s basic software package includes the core OpenLM Server module and its user interface; the OpenLM EasyAdmin module. In addition to those, further optional components are available. These optional components are:

OpenLM Broker
OpenLM Agent
OpenLM Alerts
Log file Uploader

The OpenLM software package also includes extensions, which provide additional functionality such as:

OpenLM Active Agent
External DB support
Groups and projects management
Role base security
Option file management

The image below depicts a generalized block diagram of OpenLM’s license management solution:

OpenLM Server

The OpenLM Server is the core element of the OpenLM system. It integrates the functionality of all other peripheral system components, such as the OpenLM EasyAdmin, OpenLM Agent, OpenLM Alerts, and OpenLM Broker.

OpenLM EasyAdmin

OpenLM’s EasyAdmin is the administrative interface of the OpenLM system. EasyAdmin’s control panel features a desktop interface that facilitates:

Configuration of the OpenLM Server, OpenLM’s core component
Management of license servers
License usage data extraction for Investigative and statistics purposes.

OpenLM Broker

The OpenLM Broker is an optional server component that runs on the license server machine. The Broker performs tasks as dictated by OpenLM Server, and is required in order to provide advanced licensing information and sophisticated abilities.

OpenLM Alert

The OpenLM Alert is a dedicated alerting service for the OpenLM system. This module alerts system administrators when predefined conditions are met.

OpenLM Utilizer Agent

The OpenLM Utilitzer Agent is the end user tool of the OpenLM system.

OpenLM Active Agent

OpenLM’s Active Agent extension allows system administrators to define a timeout policy. In this manner, system administrators can save, close or suspend idle applications, in order to make more efficient use of licenses.

OpenLM External Data Base (DB) Support

This extension enables OpenLM to save license usage information on an external database such as an Oracle or MS SQL Server. By default, OpenLM uses an embedded DB. External DB support is recommended for management of large licensing systems.

OpenLM Groups & Projects

This extension enables OpenLM to collect license usage information from groups of users or projects. The Groups & Projects extension synchronizes users’ data with its LDAP database (Active Directory), keeping the data collection process fully automatic.

OpenLM Role Based Security

The OpenLM Server supports a role-based security feature that enables it to implement customized access to OpenLM tools by setting access roles.

OpenLM Option File Management

The OpenLM Option File Management extension enables system administrators to manage Option Files easily from the EasyAdmin web based interface.

OpenLM Logs Uploader

The OpenLM Logs Uploader extension enables loading historical FLEXlm debug log files. This extension is essential for investigating historical license usage.

System Requirements

OpenLM has published the system requirements for the new version 1.7. Please observe these requirements and ensure the system is compliant to it.

http://www.openlm.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20&Itemid=26

You may also find this OpenLM FAQ guide useful.

Installing the system components

The OpenLM System components are available for download on the OpenLM site. After filling in your name and email, you would be directed to the download section. Select the OpenLM Version 1.7 section:

OpenLM Server

Start the installation process by installing the latest OpenLM server version.

If this is not a new installation, the production database file must first be backed up: Copy the “OPENLM_DB.GDB” file (typically located under “C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Server\db”) onto a different directory.

Continue the installation process:

1. Download the OpenLM Server package to its designated machine.

2. Read the license agreement and the subsequent information page.

3. Follow the standard installation instructions. The OpenLM Server configuration tool opens on the “License Servers” tab.

4. Add a new license server:

Click the ‘Add’ button.
Type in the License server’s host name or IP (e.g. lm10) and Port number (e.g. 27000) Default Port numbers per license server type are elaborated here.
Select the new License server’s type (e.g. FlexLM) Please also refer to Server type respective Application Note: FlexLM, Reprise RLM / IBM LUM / Sentinel RMS / Sentinel HASP / DSLS.
Type in an informative name (e.g. “lm10 – ArcGis server”)

Select the license server’s time zone (e.g. UTC+1)
Check the “Is Triad” according to the License managers redundancy layout.and whether

Check the ‘Enabled’ check box.

5. Click the “Check” button, to check connectivity with the license server.

The image below demonstrates a configuration of four license servers.

Repeat steps 4 & 5 for all license servers.

6. Click ‘Apply’ and close the configuration window. Changes and additional configurations can be made at any stage in the OpenLM Server configuration window.

You could find it on

Windows’ Start button → All Programs → OpenLM → Server → OpenLM Server Configuration

7. Register the OpenLM server tool, and finish the installation.

The EasyAdmin Interface

The EasyAdmin web application is the main OpenLM users interface.

You could find it on:

Windows’ Start button → All Programs → OpenLM → OpenLM EasyAdmin2.

The OpenLM EasyAdmin opens. Click the start EasyAdmin start button to explore this application’s features.

The image above is an example of an EasyAdmin workspace. It features Administrative tools, License data, License usage data, Graphic usage representation, Roles and permissions’ assignment, and Active Agent capabilities.

OpenLM Broker

Download the OpenLM Broker and install it on each license manager machine in the system. Select the download version according to the operating system that runs on the License manager machine: Windows or Unix/Linux.

Please refer to the “OpenLM Broker Quick start guide – Application note 1004” document for detailed information regarding the installation and configuration of the OpenLM Broker.

OpenLM Utilizer Agent (Windows)

Download the OpenLM Utilizer Agent tool, and install it on each end – user workstation that would run applications managed by the OpenLM Server.

Please refer to the Agent Installation Guide for more information. A silent installation option is available for the Utilizer Agent. Please read about this option here.

OpenLM Active Agent (Windows)

Download the OpenLM Active Agent tool, and install it on each end – user station that would run applications managed by the OpenLM Server.

Please refer to the “Agent Troubleshooting Guide – Application note 1002” for more information on Agent installation and further OpenLM extensions’ capabilities.

OpenLM Java Agent (Unix/Linu)

The OpenLM Java Agent is the equivalent of the OpenLM Utilizer Agent for Linux / Unix systems.

OpenLM Alerts system

Download the OpenLM Alerts tool, and install it on the OpenLM server machine. Please refer to the “OpenLM Alerts: Application note 1013” document for more information on OpenLM’s Alerts installation and configuration.

Setting up the OpenLM database

OpenLM uses a relational database in order to store its configuration information and license usage information. Please read this document for more details regarding OpenLM data storage. Configuring the database is done via a designated form. Please read the OpenLM Database Configuration Form document for more information on that.

Revision table

Revision	Author	Date	Remarks
0.1 – Preliminary	Orik	Oct 17, 2011	Preliminary
1.0	Orik	Oct 30, 2011	Revised.
1.1	Orik	Jun28, 2012	Revised.

OpenLM Version 1.7.1.4 – Maintenance release

Posted on October 23, 2011 by rachel

Version 1.7.1.4 is a maintenance release to version 1.7. It contains some bug fixes to problems found in previous versions. We recommend users that these problems may be relevant to them to upgrade their system to this version simply by installing it on-top of their existing version.

What is included in version 1.7.1.4?

OpenLM Server:

Easyadmin – option file features deleting bug.
Easyadmin – sorting groups & projects reports now works..
Easyadmin – “License Activity” & “Active Products” export in the correct number format.

Note: After upgrade, you may experience problems with “Licenses” window in easyadmin. If this is the case, open “User Settings” window, click “Clear Settings” and click “OK” for the problem to be resolved.

Note:
Please follow these steps when upgrading (Some of our customers experienced “error 1001″ which is related to a problem with Windows):

Backup your DB file (Typically located in: C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Server\db)
Stop the OpenLM Server service
Make sure to close ALL windows, especially the services window
Install the new version on-top of the existing version

OpenLM Version 1.7.1.3 – Maintenance release

Posted on October 17, 2011 by rachel

Version 1.7.1.3 is a maintenance release to version 1.7. It contains some bug fixes to problems found in previous versions. We recommend users that these problems may be relevant to them to upgrade their system to this version simply by installing it on-top of their existing version.

What is included in version 1.7.1.3?

OpenLM Server:

Allow time deference (60 seconds) with OpenLM Brokers on remote servers when reading license output.
Easyadmin permissions – Disabled users are now denied from logging into EasyAdmin.
Easyadmin permissions – Failure to log in to EasyAdmin resulted in a scrambled text.
Easyadmin permissions – Fix some bugs causing “Server Error”.
Easyadmin – Disable existing usernames editing.
Easyadmin – When adding group under root, refresh also root.
Easyadmin – Fix error when sorting projects/groups report.
Easyadmin – Checkbox selection disappears when sorting columns.

Note:
Please follow these steps when upgrading (Some of our customers experienced “error 1001″ which is related to a problem with Windows):

Backup your DB file (Typically located in: C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Server\db)
Stop the OpenLM Server service
Make sure to close ALL windows, especially the services window
Install the new version on-top of the existing version

OpenLM Version 1.7.1.2 – Maintenance release

Posted on September 26, 2011 by rachel

Version 1.7.1.2 is a maintenance release to version 1.7. It contains some bug fixes to problems found in previous versions. We recommend users that these problems may be relevant to them to upgrade their system to this version simply by installing it on-top of their existing version.

What is included in version 1.7.1.2?

OpenLM Server:

Easyadmin – fix licenses window visible columns problem.
Easyadmin – fix blinking LED problem for broker status.
Easyadmin – fix some issues where using permissions and there are denied servers.

OpenLM Broker:

Add multi target OpenLM Servers.
Some bug fixes.

Note:
Please follow these steps when upgrading (Some of our customers experienced “error 1001″ which is related to a problem with Windows):

Backup your DB file (Typically located in: C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Server\db)
Stop the OpenLM Server service
Make sure to close ALL windows, especially the services window
Install the new version on-top of the existing version

OpenLM Version 1.7.1.1 – Maintenance release

Posted on September 15, 2011 by rachel

Version 1.7.1.1 is a maintenance release to version 1.7. It contains some bug fixes to problems found in previous versions. We recommend users that these problems may be relevant to them to upgrade their system to this version simply by installing it on-top of their existing version.

What is included in version 1.7.1.1?

OpenLM Server:

Easyadmin – Workstation export csv contains now also first & last names.
Easyadmin – add Japanese.
Easyadmin – Add feature name to licenses export.
Easyadmin – Add product description to features’ search window.
Easyadmin – Fix Internet explorer error when Easyadmin starts.
Increase SqlServer command timeout to 120 seconds.

Note:
Please follow these steps when upgrading (Some of our customers experienced “error 1001″ which is related to a problem with Windows):

Backup your DB file (Typically located in: C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Server\db)
Stop the OpenLM Server service
Make sure to close ALL windows, especially the services window
Install the new version on-top of the existing version

OpenLM Version 1.7.1.0 – Maintenance release

Posted on September 5, 2011 by oren

Version 1.7.1.0 is a maintenance release to version 1.7. It contains some bug fixes to problems found in previous versions. We recommend users that these problems may be relevant to them to upgrade their system to this version simply by installing it on-top of their existing version.

What is included in version 1.7.1.0?

OpenLM Server:

Fix issues in servers configuration.
Easyadmin now supports the following languages: French, Portuguese, Chinese, Russian (in addition to Spanish).
Fix problems with hours/weeks/month statistics computing.
Fix problems when having more than one vendor in one license manager.
Add C++ distributable package to installation.
Increase timeout for Easyadmin requests.
Add Easyadmin console alert when OpenLM Broker server time is different than OpenLM Server time.
Fix Easyadmin License Servers Status not showing when server is down.
Option file UI fixes – don’t allow to add empty features; Don’t allow entities with spaces; When deleting host groups also delete option file references.
Easyadmin – fix filtering for Workstations window.
Fix issue with storing data sent from broker when license output is too big.

Note:
Please follow these steps when upgrading (Some of our customers experienced “error 1001″ which is related to a problem with Windows):

Backup your DB file (Typically located in: C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Server\db)
Stop the OpenLM Server service
Make sure to close ALL windows, especially the services window
Install the new version on-top of the existing version

OpenLM system requirements for version 1.7 published

Posted on September 1, 2011 by oren

OpenLM published the system requirements for the new version 1.7.

http://www.openlm.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=20&Itemid=26

Upgrade guide of OpenLM Version 1.6 to Version 1.7

Posted on August 12, 2011 by oren

To take advantage of the significant changes made to the database structure and other important aspects in OpenLM version 1.7, we recommend performing a preliminary upgrade test before actually upgrading the production environment.

The level of this preliminary check varies depending on the customer’s needs. If 24/7 service level is needed, then a full check that includes an installation of a test system and a full upgrading and testing of the test system is recommended. A short DB upgrade test may sufficiently satisfy less comprehensive customer requirements. OpenLM customers are welcome to contact our support team and consult with them about any upgrade issues.

The changes to the upgrade process relevant to the installation included in this version are:

DB structure change
Agent software, featuring an improved performance and streamlined interface. As OpenLM Agents prior to version 1.6 are not compatible with the new server version, this upgrade is a must. Agent versions 1.6 and above are compatible with the new version, so a graduate upgrade is recommended to enjoy the full capabilities of the new version.
FDB has replaced GDB as the standard extension for the Firebird DB file.
OpenLM now supports the use of a virtual license server, which can be a group of Triad servers (with FLEXlm). This will change your existing license server configuration.
OpenLM Broker is significantly upgraded to support the advanced new functions of OpenLM version 1.7. We highly recommend to also upgrade OpenLM Broker, but this can be done separately after upgrading the server. The current installation of Broker 1.7 will not be able to preserver your current broker settings (link).
The server and agent software requires .NET Framework 4.0.

Two different procedures are outlined in this document. One is for installations that use the embedded Firebird database and the other is for installations that use external database (Oracle, MS SQL Server or Firebird Server – requires additional licensing). These two procedures are further divided into a full and a preliminary check procedure.

Short preliminary check procedure for embedded database configuration

First stage: Backup your database file!

Stop “OpenLM Server” Windows Service, navigate to the location of your OpenLM Server database file, typically “C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Server\db\OPENLM_DB.GDB,” and backup the database file.
Note that backup stage is mandatory since the database upgrade process can be sensitive to hardware and software problems. Starting the upgrade process without backing up your database file risks your data.

Second stage: Test the database upgrade process (optional)

Choose a test workstation (XP, Vista, Windows 7 or server OS) and take the following steps:

Install OpenLM Server version 1.7 on the test machine.
Stop “OpenLM Server” windows service (on the workstation).
Copy of your production database and paste it to C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Server\db\OPENLM_DB.GDB to the test workstation. Rename it to OPENLM_DB.FDB and delete the DB provided with the software. Run Start→OpenLM→Server→Upgrade Database from Earlier Versions.
Upgrade your database and make sure that no errors are reported.

Now you can upgrade your production system.

Short preliminary check procedure for external databases

First stage: Backup your database!

Note that the backup stage is mandatory since the database upgrade process can be sensitive to hardware and software problems. Starting the upgrade process without backing up your database file risks your data.

Second stage: Upgrade your database

Download the appropriate database upgrade script from OpenLM Downloads area.
Stop OpenLM Server service and then Run the appropriate upgrade script in order to upgrade the database.
Make sure that no error messages are reported.

Now you can upgrade your production system.

Full Upgrade procedure with preliminary check for embedded database configuration

First stage: Backup your database file!

Stop “OpenLM Server” Windows Service, navigate to the location of your OpenLM Server database file, typically “C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Server\db\OPENLM_DB.GDB” and backup the database file.

Second stage: Test the database upgrade process (optional)

Choose a test workstation (Not your current OpenLM Server) and take the following steps:

Install OpenLM Server version 1.6. (the exact version you currently use) on a workstation (XP, Vista or Windows 7).
Stop “OpenLM Server” windows service (on the test workstation).
Replace the database with a copy of your production database C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLMServer\db\OPENLM_DB.GDB.
Start “OpenLM Server” windows service.
Upgrade the system by installing OpenLM Server 1.7 on-top of this installation and follow the instructions.

Test the new installation.

Third stage: Make sure your database backup is in a safe place and upgrade your production system.

This upgrade is simple – install the new 1.7 package on your production server. It will update both the software and your database. OpenLM service will not be available during the upgrade process.

Fourth stage: Update OpenLM Agents.

OpenLM Utilizer Agent versions that prior to version 1.6 are not compatible with OpenLM Server 1.7. You must upgrade OpenLM Agent software on all workstations.

Agent versions 1.6 and above are compatible with the new version, so a graduate upgrade is recommended to enjoy the full capabilities of the new version (like the Active Agent new features).

OpenLM Utilizer users can download and install OpenLM Utilizer Agent on every workstation using floating licenses.

OpenLM for ESRI ArcGIS and OpenLM for Autodesk users can download and install OpenLM Active Agent.

OpenLM supports various distribution methods including start up scripts and network management systems like CA Unicenter and Microsoft SMS. Check this blog post for more information about OpenLM Agent silent install.

Fifth Stage: Install OpenLM Broker on any FLEXlm server managed by OpenLM.

If OpenLM Broker is not already installed, download OpenLM Broker and install it on each license server. OpenLM Broker highly enhances the capabilities of OpenLM Software.

We also recommend upgrading existing OpenLM Broker installations by installing OpenLM Broker 1.7 over the existing version of the software. Since now the upgrade program will not preserve your existing settings, please backup the settings by taking screenshots or by backing up the broker configuration file named: broker.xml. The file is located in the broker installation folder. On Windows it typically located in C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Broker (Link) .

On a Windows workstation the broker typically recognizes most of the settings automatically.

Full Upgrade procedure with preliminary check for sites that use an external database

This procedure is relevant to users who configured an external database with OpenLM Server. OpenLM Server supports Oracle, Ms SQL Server or Firebird server.

First stage: Backup your database!

Note that backup stage is mandatory since the database upgrade process can be sensitive to hardware and software problems. Starting the upgrade process without backing up your database file risks your data.

Second stage: Upgrade your database

Download the appropriate database upgrade script from OpenLM Downloads menu.
Stop OpenLM Server service and then run the script in order to upgrade the database.

Third stage: upgrade your production system.

To Upgrade your production system, install the new package 1.7 on your production server. It will update the software while preserving all your settings. OpenLM service will not be available during the upgrade process.

Test the system!

Fourth stage: Update OpenLM Agents.

OpenLM Utilizer Agent versions prior to version 1.6 are not compatible with OpenLM Server 1.7. You must upgrade OpenLM Agent software on all workstations.

Agent versions 1.6 and above are compatible with the new version, so a graduate upgrade is recommended to enjoy the full capabilities of the new version (like the Active Agent new features).

OpenLM Utilizer users are able to download and install OpenLM Utilizer on every workstation using floating licenses.

OpenLM for ESRI ArcGIS and OpenLM for Autodesk users are able to download and install OpenLM Active Agent.

OpenLM supports various distribution methods including start up scripts and network management systems like CA Unicenter, Microsoft SMS and others. Check this blog post for more information about OpenLM Agent silent install.

Fifth Stage: Install OpenLM Broker on any FLEXlm server you may have.

If OpenLM Broker is not already installed then download OpenLM Broker and install it on each license server. OpenLM Broker highly enhances the capabilities of OpenLM Software.

We also recommend to upgrade existing OpenLM Broker installations.
Please report problems to OpenLM Team!
Email: support@openlm.com
OpenLM contact form.

OpenLM Broker Upgrade Guide from version 1.6 to 1.7

Posted on August 12, 2011 by oren

OpenLM Broker is a tool on the license server. This optional but highly recommended program significantly enhances OpenLM System capabilities.

Although the upgrade process of OpenLM components is usually fully automatic, the transition from OpenLM Broker version 1.6 to version 1.7 is more complex. Thus, some manual steps are required in order to preserve your settings.

In order to preserve your current configuration, you must follow these steps:

Save your broker configuration. To do this, copy the ‘broker.xml’ file from the broker installation folder, whose default location is “C:\Program Files\OpenLM\OpenLM Broker,” to a temporary folder.
Download the OpenLM Broker 1.7 installer from our download area.
Run the installation package. Removing the previous installation is uneccessary, as it is a standard ‘Next-Next’ installation.
At the end of the installation process, the “OpenLM Broker Configuration Tool” will pop up.

If your configuration was saved:

Click ‘Servers’ on “OpenLM Broker Configuration Tool,” and select “Add.”
Complete the fields as illustrated in in the following image:
Apply your changes.
Exit the configuration tool.

If your configuration was not saved:

Please close the “OpenLM Broker Configuration Tool.”

Open the “Openlm Broker” Folder and replace the new ‘broker.xml’ file with the copy you made earlier.
Open “Openlm Broker Configuration’” from the start menu and then click “Servers.” Choose “Add,” and fill in the fields as shown in the following image:
Apply your changes and click “Restart Broker” to restart the broker service.
Exit the configuration tool.