Knowledge Base

Software Based License Overview

Software based licenses can be activated as either Fixed or Floating.

The Observer XT licenses can have a variety of modules (Video Analysis, Advanced Analysis, Coder Only, etc.). Some licenses in the lab might only contain the Advanced Analysis module while other licenses could have all the modules. When the modules vary from license to license this results in a new activation key for each module variation. For example, to save costs you might have 1 full license and 1 coder only license. In this scenario, you will be sent 2 Activation Keys. When you have multiple licenses with the same modules, these can all reside under the same Activation Key, which has multiple Seats. You can fix or float any Software Based License, regardless of how many Activation Keys or Seats you have.

Activation

Activating as Fixed

PC Has Internet

1. Download and install The Observer XT 17.
2. Launch The Observer XT 17.
3. Select Activate software license key.
4. Select Fixed - On this computer only.
5. Choose the Activate online option.
6. Enter the Activation Key.
7. You are now ready to use The Observer XT 17.

The PC can be online or offline during use of The Observer XT 17.

PC Has No Internet

1. Download and install The Observer XT 17.
2. Launch The Observer XT 17.
3. Select Activate software license key.
4. Select Fixed - On this computer only.
5. Choose the Activate offline option and enter the Activation Key.
6. Scan the QR code using the camera of your smartphone to get a Computer Key.
7. Under Activate Offline, enter the Computer Key.
8. You are now ready to use The Observer XT 17.

The PC can be online or offline during use of The Observer XT 17.

Activating as Floating

PC Requires Internet

1. Download and install The Observer XT 17.
2. Launch The Observer XT 17.
3. Select Activate software license key.
4. Select Floating - On multiple computers.
5. Enter the Activation Key.
6. You are now ready to use The Observer XT 17.

The PC must be online during use of The Observer XT 17.

License Management

Permissions

When activated as a Fixed license via the internet (online), it will check the license server for permission, after which it will lock the license to that specific PC for use for 90 days. After 90 days, the license checks the server for permission again.

When activated as a Fixed license without an internet connection (offline), it will check the license server for permission, after which it will lock the license to that specific PC for use for 365 days. After 365 days, the license will require a reactivation to confirm permission for another year of use.

When activated as a Floating license, permission is shared. Internet access is required each time a PC wants to utilize the full version of the software (i.e., acquire data), as it uses the internet to check for license permission. Access to the Key/Seat will be on a first come, first served basis.

You can switch between Fixed and Floating activations by deactivating via Help > Deactivate License. When a license is deactivated, it is immediately available to fix or float on another PC.

Fixed License

A Fixed license is used on a single computer.

An internet connection is required during activation but not during use of The Observer XT 17.

Once a license is activated as Fixed it takes up a Seat permanently.

If you receive an error indicating the license is already fixed on another PC, you must deactivate it on that PC first before activating it here.

Floating License

A Floating license (with 1 or more Seats) can be accessed on multiple computers.

A permanent internet connection is required.

You can install The Observer XT 17 on as many PCs as you would like, but only the number of Seats purchased can be used simultaneously at any given time.

Users must close The Observer XT 17 after use. This will free up a Seat so another user can use the software on another computer. You do not need to deactivate after use; simply closing The Observer XT 17 will free up the Seat.

The following practices are recommended for managing a Floating license:

• Use a shared online calendar, spreadsheet, or schedule to keep track of who is using The Observer XT 17 and when. This way you know who last used it, should you need to ask them to close The Observer XT 17 to free up the Seat.
• Keep a list of all PC names (company and private) which have The Observer XT 17 installed.
• For each Activation Key, note whether it is set to Fixed or Floating.

If you have trouble accessing the license due to a strict local network, ask your IT department to add an exception for: https://qlmlicenses.noldus.com:9999

Support

If you run into any issues, please submit a support ticket on the MyNoldus client portal.

Source: The Observer XT 17 - Software License Key (SBLK) Activation