File-Based License End-of-Life Policy

Applies to ReadyAPI 3.58, last modified on February 11, 2025

This page describes our End-of-Life plan for File-based licensing including Protection LS and key-based license types. If you're looking for technical support for ReadyAPI, please go to our support portal.

About Licensing in ReadyAPI

ReadyAPI has transitioned to ID-based licensing, referred to as SmartBear License Management (SLM). Starting October 2023, ReadyAPI will discontinue file-based licensing. For additional details, refer to this link.

SLM or ID-based licensing was introduced to ReadyAPI in versions 3.8.1 (with SmartBear hosting ID-based licenses) and 3.40.0 (allowing customers to convert and host ID-based licenses on-premise for offline use).

Our support policies vary based on the license type you have installed. You can find your license type by checking the ReadyAPI product or the associated licensing portal.

  • If you log into ReadyAPI via SmartBear for license installation, view/access licenses via manage.smartbear.com, or see a license number starting with R***-FL or R***-FX on the ReadyAPI Manage License screen, you are using ID-based licenses.

    ID based license

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    ID based license

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  • If you activate through file-based license keys or the ProtectionLS floating license server, or view/access licenses through my.smartbear.com, you are using the legacy file-based licensing model, which will be retired in 2025.

For customers using Legacy File-Based Licenses

ReadyAPI has fully transitioned to the ID-based SmartBear License Management (SLM) system. We are now moving into the final phase of deprecation of file-based licenses. Customers still using file-based licensing need to plan for migration to SLM before 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 was enabled in ReadyAPI 3.8.1 (SLM SaaS) and 3.40.0 (SLM on-premise).
  • September 2022: SmartBear announced our intention to move away from file-based licensing and requested customers to start planning their migration to SLM.
  • 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.
  • In July 2025, we will remove file-based licensing as a licensing installation option from ReadyAPI, VirtServer and TestEngine future versions.

Key milestones for transition

  • January 2025: Updates to product documentation and notifications issued to users about the End September 2025 End of Life (EOL) for file-based licenses.

  • July 2025: Final releases of ReadyAPI, VirtServer, and TestEngine supporting file-based licensing. All future releases will support SLM only.

  • From 1 October 2025: Existing and activated file-based licensing will continue to work but SmartBear will no longer be generating new or support activation/deactivation of file-based licenses in ReadyAPI, VirtServer and TestEngine. All new licenses will only be issued in SLM.

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 the Customer Care Team.

See Also

Technical Support and Resources

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