What type of licenses are available for RDi?

Answer

When looking to purchase IBM Rational Developer for i (RDi), there are two options for licensing: 1) activation kit (also known as a permanent, authorized user license) or 2) floating license (also known as a permanent, floating license).

Activation Kit

The activation kit is a permanent, version-based jar file that is packaged as a zip file with the product and downloaded from either AAS/ESS or Passport Advantage.  

If using the permanent license/activation kit, a license is required for each version of the product. For example, an RDi 9.6 permanent, authorized user license (activation kit) will not work for an RDi 9.8 client.

This license is installed on the client. The license can be saved remotely, for instance, on a network, but installed locally.  Each named user needs to be licensed.

Applying the license is quick and uncomplicated; however, each machine must be manipulated to install the license either programmatically with a silent install or manually.  No license server is required.

Floating License

A floating license is a permanent license that is downloaded to the client from a dedicated Rational License Key Server.  The 'Floating, Single Install Fixed Term' option is a time-limited license and then would have to be purchased again.

Floating licenses are associated with the host name of the Rational License Key Server (also know as a floating license server). The floating licenses are not version specific. For example, a floating license that works with RDi 9.6 should continue to work with RDi 9.8 if used on the same Rational License Key Server. A new RDi 9.8 license is not required.

Floating licenses are downloaded from the Rational License Key Center at: https://www-01.ibm.com/software/rational/support/licensing/tointraware.html

Floating licenses are installed on a Rational License Key Server which is a free download.  The RDi client connects to the designated floating license server to acquire a license for a time-limited period. Once that time expires, the license will need to be acquired again. If the floating license connections exceed the number of floating licenses available, the newest user will not be able to access RDi until a license is released.  Licenses are not user specific.

Information on installing and configuring the floating license server can be found here: https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/common-licensing/9.0.0?topic=installing-planning-your-common-licensing-installation

Using a floating license server may be problematic if network connectivity is not stable or all systems are required to be included in disaster recovery models. The fewer floating licenses are used, the more efficient activation kits may be.

Temporary License

A 120-day temporary, trial license that is included with all new client installs for RDi. All versions of RDi will expire after the trial period if a permanent license is not applied.