[Thermo Scientific License Manager]
Context
The Thermo Scientific ™ product license you have acquired defines your rights to use Thermo Scientific applications and their modules (extensions) with a specific level of functionality, for a certain version, on designated equipment, and for a specific number of simultaneous users. The license may additionally be restricted to a specific period of time or to specific use cases.
Your product license is protected by a license key. Each time the application is launched, it checks for a valid license key. If a valid license key is found, the application runs. Otherwise, you are invited to activate a valid license key.
Thermo Scientific products have separate license keys for all editions and extensions.
Description
1. Local (Node-locked) Versus Floating Licenses
There are two main types of licenses:
- Local licenses, also called node-locked licenses, allow the software to run only on a single, identified computer only.
- Floating licenses allow one or several concurrent users to run the software at the same time from their computers located on your local network.
The number of concurrent users equals the number of license tokens purchased.
To use floating licenses, you must install FlexNet Publisher license server manager on a local server. Then, on each end user’s computer, you need to specify the location of this local server (see article KA-01238 "License Manager: License Server Connection").
If you have purchased floating licenses, you should have received an email from flex1647@flexnetoperations.com containing instructions to set up the license server (KA-01254) and activate the product on the end user’s computer (KA-01238). Follow those instructions, or contact your local license administrator for additional information.
2. Time-limited Versus Perpetual Licenses
In addition, licenses can be:
- Time-limited: valid until a given date, which is shown in the product splash screen when you start the software, or in the About dialog (accessible from the Help › About menu).
After this date, Thermo Scientific software will stop working. This is usually the case for trial licenses, Beta licenses, or renewable rented licenses (such as yearly yearly subscriptions).
- Perpetual: a type of license that allows the user to use the software indefinitely after a one-time purchase, without any time limitations, as opposed to subscription-based models (time-limited licenses) that require recurring payments. However, a perpetual license does not include ongoing updates, upgrades, or technical support unless annual maintenance fees are paid. Maintenance renewal ensures the software remains up-to-date and supported.