IBM Rational Licensing Overview
- License Types: Authorized User, Floating User, and Token-Based.
- Management: A centralized license server is required for floating and token-based licenses.
- Compliance: Ensure adherence to IBM’s licensing terms and use monitoring tools.
- Flexibility: Token-based licensing offers dynamic allocation across multiple products
IBM Rational Licensing Models
IBM Rational is a powerful suite of software development tools designed to help teams collaborate, design, develop, test, and deliver high-quality software.
These tools are essential for organizations that need a structured and scalable approach to software development. However, to fully utilize IBM Rational, it’s crucial to understand its various licensing options.
This guide provides a detailed overview of IBM Rational license types, key licensing terms, considerations for businesses, and strategies for effective license management.
IBM Rational License Types
IBM Rational offers several licensing models to meet organizations’ diverse needs. Each type is designed to provide flexibility and ensure that teams have access to the tools they need when they need them.
Authorized User License
An Authorized User License is assigned to a specific individual, granting them exclusive access to the software.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Personal Use: The license is tied to a named user and can be used on any device by that individual.
- Non-Transferable: It cannot be shared or transferred to another person.
- Ideal For: Teams with stable roles where members consistently use the same tools.
Floating User License
A Floating User License (or a Concurrent User License) allows multiple users to access the software but limits the number of simultaneous users.
Key points include:
- Shared Access: Licenses are managed by a central server, allowing multiple users to share a pool of licenses.
- Concurrent Use: Only a specified number of users can access the software simultaneously.
- Efficient Utilization: Ideal for teams where users do not need continuous access to the software.
Example: If an organization has 5 Floating User Licenses, up to 5 users can use the software simultaneously. A 6th user must wait until a license becomes available.
Token-Based Licensing
Token-based licensing offers flexibility using a pool of tokens rather than fixed licenses.
Here’s how it works:
- Token Pool: Each feature or product requires a certain number of tokens to access.
- Dynamic Allocation: When a user accesses a feature, the corresponding tokens are consumed from the pool.
- Flexible Use: Once the user finishes, the tokens are returned to the pool for others to use.
Advantages:
- Adaptability: Tokens can be used across multiple products, making it easier to adapt to changing needs.
- Simplified Purchasing: Reduces the need for separate purchase orders when trying out new software.
Read about how to license IBM Cognos.
Key Terms in IBM Rational Licensing
Understanding key terms is essential for effectively managing IBM Rational licenses:
- License Manager Daemon (lmgrd): The main program that controls the distribution of licenses.
- Vendor Daemon (telelogic): The specific daemon for IBM Rational that works with the License Manager to allocate licenses.
- License File (license.dat): Contains the licensing information, including the number and types of licenses available.
When implementing IBM Rational licensing, organizations should consider the following:
User Requirements
- Assessment: Determine the number of users, their roles, and the features they need.
- License Type Selection: Choose between Authorized User, Floating User, or Token-Based licenses based on these needs.
License Server Setup
- Centralized Management: A centralized license server must be set up for Floating User and Token-Based licenses.
- Configuration: Proper setup and configuration ensure effective license management and distribution.
Compliance
- Adherence to Terms: Ensure compliance with IBM’s licensing terms, including user restrictions, software deployment, and reporting requirements.
- Monitoring: Implement tools to track license usage to avoid violations and optimize license allocation.
Monitoring Usage
- Tools: License management tools monitor and track usage, especially for floating user and token-based licenses.
- Optimization: Regular monitoring helps in optimizing license allocation and avoiding compliance issues.
Read about how to manage IBM license keys.
IBM Rational License Server
The IBM Rational License Server uses FLEXnet (formerly FlexLM) to manage licenses. It’s composed of four main components:
- License Manager Daemon (lmgrd): Controls license distribution.
- Vendor Daemon (telelogic): Communicates with the License Manager to manage IBM Rational licenses.
- Client Application Program: The IBM Rational application that users interact with.
- License File (license.dat): Contains the details of available licenses.
How It Works
- Startup: When a user starts an IBM Rational product, the TELELOGIC_LICENSE_FILE system variable is used to locate the license server and port.
- License Request: The program contacts the License Manager, which forwards the request to the Telelogic daemon.
- License Allocation: If licenses are available, the daemon grants one, and the program runs. If not, the request is denied, and the program won’t start.
Benefits of Proper License Management
Effective management of IBM Rational licenses can bring several benefits to your organization:
- Cost Control: By choosing and properly managing the right mix of license types, you can control costs and avoid unnecessary purchases.
- Flexibility: Token-Based and Floating User licenses provide flexibility, allowing your team to adapt to changing project needs.
- Compliance: Regular monitoring and adherence to IBM’s licensing terms help prevent costly compliance issues.
FAQs
What are the main types of IBM Rational licenses?
IBM Rational offers three primary license types: Authorized User, Floating User, and Token-Based licenses. Each type caters to different usage needs and access requirements.
How does an Authorized User license work?
An Authorized User license is assigned to a specific individual. It allows that person to access the software from any device, but the license cannot be shared or transferred to another user.
What is a Floating User license?
A Floating User license allows multiple users to access the software, but only a limited number can use it simultaneously. A central server manages these licenses, and users “check out” a license when needed.
How does Token-Based licensing differ from Floating User licensing?
Token-Based licensing uses a pool of tokens rather than fixed licenses. Different features consume different numbers of tokens. This model offers more flexibility as tokens can be allocated across various products.
What is the role of the License Manager Daemon (lmgrd) in IBM Rational licensing?
The License Manager Daemon (lmgrd) controls the distribution of licenses. It works with the vendor daemon to manage license allocation and ensure users have access according to their license type.
What does the Vendor Daemon (telelogic) do?
The Vendor Daemon (telelogic) is specific to IBM Rational and communicates with the License Manager Daemon to allocate licenses to users. It ensures that licenses are distributed based on availability and compliance.
What is a license file (license.dat) in IBM Rational?
The license file (license.dat) contains all the licensing information, such as the number and types of licenses available. The License Manager needs to function properly.
How is compliance with IBM Rational licensing ensured?
Adhering to IBM’s licensing terms, which include proper license allocation, user restrictions, and regular monitoring, ensures compliance. Using tools to track license usage also helps maintain compliance.
What happens if all Floating User licenses are in use?
If all Floating User licenses are in use, additional users trying to access the software must wait until another user has “checked in” a license. The software will not start until a license is available.
Can IBM Rational licenses be transferred between users?
Authorized User licenses cannot be transferred between users. However, Floating User and Token-Based licenses allow multiple users to share access, but only according to the purchased license capacity.
How do I set up a license server for IBM Rational?
Setting up a license server involves installing the License Manager Daemon (lmgrd) and the Vendor Daemon (telelogic) on a central server. The license file (license.dat) must also be configured to reflect the available licenses.
What should I consider when choosing between license types?
Consider the number of users, the need for flexibility, and the budget. Authorized User licenses are best for dedicated access, Floating User licenses for shared access, and Token-Based licenses for maximum flexibility.
How can I monitor license usage in IBM Rational?
License usage can be monitored using tools provided by IBM or third-party software. These tools help track who is using the licenses, how many are in use, and identify any potential issues with compliance.
What are the advantages of Token-Based licensing?
Token-Based licensing provides flexibility by allowing tokens to be used across different products. This is particularly useful for organizations with varying needs across different stages of development.
Can I mix different IBM Rational license types within the same organization?
Organizations can mix Authorized Users, Floating Users, and Token-Based licenses depending on their needs. This approach allows for tailored access and cost management based on specific project requirements.
