Using TestExecute on Cloud Computers

Applies to TestExecute 15.40, last modified on May 21, 2024

This page is related to key-based licenses — a regular license type used in TestExecute 15.40. For information on the new ID-based license type, see SmartBear ID-based Licenses.

About

You can install TestExecute on cloud computers outside your local network and run tests on them. However, you need to configure the license server and license settings.

Possible issues

A TestExecute license is bound to the computer where you activate this license (to the computer’s MAC address, CPU ID and some other properties).

Cloud computers are virtual machines. Their hardware properties can change from one machine run to another. This means that after you restart this computer in the cloud, TestExecute can treat the activated license as invalid.

Workaround

Commercial licenses

Commercial TestExecute licenses are Floating User licenses. They cannot be activated on virtual and cloud machines. To use them:

  1. Activate your Floating User license on some physical computer in your network.

  2. Install TestExecute on cloud computers, and on each computer, configure the license search settings so that the TestExecute instances can use the Floating User license you activated.

    Cloud machines often run outside your local network. They need to connect to the license manager PC in your local network.

    1. Create a virtual private network (VPN) to make the license manager PC and TestExecute instances work as if they belong to the same local network.

    2. Modify the search settings on the cloud computers so that they search for a license on the license manager PC. See Using TestExecute in Virtual Private Networks for details.

      When specifying the license manager PC in the search settings, use the computer name rather than the IP address, if possible. This will simplify the settings in networks that use dynamic IP addresses.

    Option 2
    1. Assign a permanent public IP address to the license manager PC.

    2. On every cloud computer where TestExecute will run, open the search settings of the TestExecute licensing subsystem and specify the license manager’s IP address. See Specifying License Manager for Connection for details.

    Private Clouds

    Private cloud machines can already be in the same network in which the license manager PC is located. In this case, on cloud computers, you need to open the search settings of the licensing subsystem and specify the license manager’s computer name or IP address. See Specifying License Manager for Connection.

    Note: Using the computer name is preferable if your network uses dynamic IP addresses.

Trial licenses

TestExecute trial licenses are Floating User licenses of a special type. They can be activated and used on virtual and cloud machines. That is, you can activate a TestExecute trial license on cloud computers and evaluate TestExecute there.

In certain cases, TestExecute might consider activating a trial license on a cloud machine as a license misuse. In this case, you can try any of the following:

  • Use the same license key to activate the license on a physical PC or on a virtual (non-cloud) computer. This is possible if you have not activated the key on any computer yet. If the activation has passed, the key cannot be used again.

    – or –

  • Request another trial license on our website.

    – or –

  • Contact your SmartBear Sales Representative for help.

Contact SmartBear

If you have questions or need help with using TestExecute in the cloud, contact SmartBear.

See Also

General Questions
Using TestExecute in WAN
Specifying License Manager for Connection

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