SLM FAQ

What is happening?

What is happening?

In 2021, SmartBear announced that it is moving to a proprietary, unified licensing approach, SmartBear License Management (SLM). In October 2023, SmartBear will discontinue its legacy ProtectionLS licensing model.

SLM is now implemented in ReadyAPI and SmartBear is informing you about this new licensing model to give you time to understand SLM and plan the switch to the new model

What is SLM?

What is SLM?

In the past, SmartBear products used different key-based license types and systems. The company has now moved to a unified licensing approach, binding licenses to individual users, instead of computers where the licensed products are installed.

This approach has a number of benefits over the previous system:

• A licensed user can install their SmartBear product on any number of computers, and the system will automatically enforce concurrency limits based on the number of seats.

• A license administrator can see idle time across the organization's licenses, and they now have the ability to disconnect idle licenses.

• Reports detailing usage statistics are now available and exportable.

• One licensing tool covers all participating SmartBear products.

Why is SmartBear changing to SLM?

Why is SmartBear changing to SLM?

SLM provides license administrators, end users, and SmartBear sales operations with a simple solution to distribute, view, assign, consume, and manage licenses for desktop products.

What are the benefits for administrators and users?

What are the benefits for administrators and users?

The benefits to administrators and users include:

• ReadyAPI can be used on multiple systems at once, using a single User Account. Concurrent usage of the same license is possible. The number of concurrent users is limited by the license.

• SLM licenses are bound to individuals (users), not to computers where the licensed products are installed.

• Both online and offline license access is supported.

• Simplified license management is provided across all SmartBear products.

• There is improved reporting on license usage and access.

• Administrators can revoke licenses that are no longer being actively used.

• There is improvement in customer experience in terms of performance and security, as SLM removes dependency on 3rd Party Licensing via ProtectionLS.

Is SLM available on all ReadyAPI modules today?

Is SLM available on all ReadyAPI modules today?

ReadyAPI Test, Performance and Virtualization are currently supported by SLM with online and offline support. This is explained in detail here.

VirtServer and TestEngine will be available on SLM from Q4 onwards. You may prefer to move to SLM when all products are supported by the new licensing solution.

How is SLM deployed?

How is SLM deployed?

SLM uses two license types: Fixed User and Floating. The difference between them is in the way users consume the license seats. (License seats define the number of allowed concurrent license users.) Online and offline use is differentiated.

• Online licenses are controlled by the SmartBear license servers available on the Web.

• Offline licenses work in private networks, which have no connection to the Web and SmartBear license servers.

By default, purchased licenses are online licenses. They can be converted to offline licenses (and vice versa) on the SmartBear Licensing Portal. For complete information, see Licensing in Private Networks.

What is the process for migrating customers?

What is the process for migrating customers?

1. Pre-Process: When a customer reaches out asking to convert to SLM, the SmartBear Account Manager will request written confirmation (email) that the customer agrees to deactivate their current license(s) following the rollout of SLM. This is required in order to convert to SLM.

2. A license admin contact is required to manage SLM licensing.

3. Your SmartBear Account Manager will work with the you to confirm SLM works and that SLM conversion is successful.

4. Your SmartBear Account Manager will confirm deactivation/decommission of all older HASP/JPROD licenses. This avoids duplicate use of prior/SLM licenses.

Does SLM cost more?

Does SLM cost more?

No. This is simply a change of licensing management systems. SLM does not affect the pricing of SmartBear products. All support to convert to the new system is provided by SmartBear without any additional cost.

When is the deadline?

When is the deadline?

SmartBear will discontinue its legacy ProtectionLS licensing model in October 2023. All new and expansion licenses will be issued on SLM by default from Q4 2022.