File-Based License End-of-Life Policy
This page describes our End-of-Life policy for file-based licensing, including Protection LS and key-based license types. If you need technical support for ReadyAPI, visit our support portal.
About Licensing in ReadyAPI
ReadyAPI has transitioned to SmartBear ID-based licensing, referred to as SmartBear License Management (SLM). Since October 2023, ReadyAPI discontinued file-based licensing. For additional details, refer to SLM FAQ.
ReadyAPI introduced SLM or SmartBear ID-based licensing in version 3.8.1 (with SmartBear hosting SmartBear ID-based licenses). Version 3.40.0 added the option for customers to convert and host SmartBear ID-based licenses on-premises for offline use.
Our support policies depend on the license type you use. To identify your license, check ReadyAPI or the SmartBear Licensing Portal.
You have a SmartBear ID-based license if any one of the following applies:
You log in to ReadyAPI with your SmartBear account to install a license.
You manage your licenses through SmartBear License Management.
You can see a license number that starts with
R*-FL**orR*-FX**in the ReadyAPI Manage License dialog.
You are using the legacy file-based licensing model if any one of the following applies:
You activate your license with file-based license keys.
You use the ProtectionLS Floating License Server.
You manage your licenses through my.smartbear.com.
This model was retired in October 2023.
For customers using Legacy File-Based Licenses
Starting from ReadyAPI 3.62.0, VirtServer 3.29.0, and TestEngine 1.34.0, SmartBear Product Family has fully deprecated file-based licenses and transitioned to the ID-based SmartBear License Management (SLM) system. Any customers still using file-based licenses must complete their migration to SLM by September 30, 2025.
Since 2022, we have been migrating customers toward SLM and moving toward a full deprecation of file-based licensing from the ReadyAPI product family.
By June 2022: SLM is available in ReadyAPI 3.8.1 (SLM SaaS) and 3.40.0 (SLM on-premise).
September 2022: SmartBear announced its intention to move away from file-based licensing and requested customers to start planning their migration to SLM.
March and June 2023: SLM was enabled in VirtServer 3.17.0 (on-premise) and 3.18.0 (SLM SaaS), respectively.
April and July 2023: SLM was enabled in TestEngine 1.28.0 (SLM on-premise) and 1.29.0 (SLM SaaS), respectively.
October 2023: Technical support and active maintenance for file-based and ProtectionLS licenses ended. All licensing support required migration to SLM. SmartBear added updates that file-based licensing would be deprecated in 2025.
Starting September 1, 2024: Renewing or expanding file-based licenses incurs a service charge of up to 30% of the invoice value.
January 2025: SmartBear confirms its plans to remove file-based licensing from the product in Q3 2025.
September 2025: ReadyAPI 3.62.0, VirtServer 3.29.0, and TestEngine 1.34.0 have fully deprecated file-based licenses and transitioned to the ID-based SmartBear License Management (SLM) system. Future versions will only have SLM as a license option.
Key milestones for the transition
January 2025: Updates to product documentation and notifications issued to users about the September 2025 End of Life (EOL) for file-based licenses.
July 2025: Final releases of ReadyAPI, VirtServer, and TestEngine supporting file-based licensing.
September 2025 onwards: ReadyAPI, VirtServer, and TestEngine releases will support SLM only.
From 1 October 2025: Existing and activated file-based licensing will continue to work for some time but SmartBear will no longer generate new or support activation/deactivation of file-based licenses in ReadyAPI, VirtServer, and TestEngine. All new licenses will be issued in SLM only. SmartBear no longer maintains the file-based licensing system. Access or service issues will result in service disruption, which we will not be able to restore. All technical support for file-based license has now ceased.
Action Required
All customers must migrate to SLM before September 30, 2025. No extensions will be granted, and only active file-based licensing will work. No further file-based licenses will be created or activated after that date.
If you cannot complete your migration by this date, contact your SmartBear representative immediately. To avoid service disruptions, begin your migration now. For assistance, reach out to your Account Manager or our SmartBear Support.
Support links
Refer to the ReadyAPI documentation for an overview of the migration process to ID-based licensing.
Submit a support request through our Customer Care Team.
Should you have inquiries or require help with the transition to SLM.
Should you require assistance in obtaining security approvals and conducting trials to ensure SLM compatibility within your environment and pipelines.
The Release Notes show our latest version of ReadyAPI.
The End of Support policy shows levels of support for ReadyAPI across the different versions.