About VirtServer Licensing
Important Notice for VirtServer Customers
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.
From October 1, 2025, existing and activated file-based licenses will continue to work for some time. However, SmartBear will no longer generate new file-based licenses or support activation and deactivation of file-based licenses in ReadyAPI, VirtServer, or TestEngine. All new and updated licenses are now issued in SLM only.
All technical support for file-based licenses has now ceased, and SmartBear no longer maintains the file-based licensing system. Any access or service issues will result in service disruptions that we will not be able to restore.
If you have not completed the process of migrating, contact your Account Manager or SmartBear representative today. Our teams are ready to assist you with smooth transition strategies. For additional support, log a request with our SmartBear Support.
For more information and timelines, refer to the File-based License End-of-Support Policy page.
The way you activate, use, and manage licenses depends on the license type.
VirtServer license types
From version 3.29.0 onwards, VirtServer supports only SmartBear ID-based licenses. These licenses are part of SmartBear's proprietary SmartBear License Management solution. To request and install a license on the product, you need to specify your access credentials based on the location of the SmartBear License Server.
SmartBear-hosted licenses (default option): Assign a license to the VirtServer administrator, use the administrator’s access key when requesting the license, and ensure the VirtServer host machine can connect to the SmartBear license servers.
On-premises licenses: Export the SmartBear ID-based license for offline use and configure VirtServer to point to that license server when requesting the license.
To view and manage your account settings, use the SmartBear License Management.
File-based licenses (Deprecated): You can still use them in versions up to and including VirtServer 3.28.0. These licenses involve using a SmartBear license file. You apply that file on your computer to activate the license, or consume the license from the license server running in your network, and is licensed with this file.
For details about deprecation timelines, support status, and required actions, see the Important Notice for VirtServer Customers.
ID-based licenses for existing users
The following table helps you understand the difference between SmartBear ID-based and file-based licenses:
Feature | ID-based | File-based |
|---|---|---|
Activation procedure | License is purchased, assigned in manage.smartbear.com. Where the customer plans to use SmartBear-hosted license, customer will need to assign a license to the VirtServer administrator in manage.smartbear.com, use the administrator’s access key when requesting a license and ensure the machine that VirtServer is installed on can access the SmartBear license servers. This is the current default support option for SmartBear ID-based licenses in VirtServer. Where customers plan to host the license server for on-premise deployment, customers will need to export the SmartBear ID-based license for on-premise use and point to that location when requesting a license. | The user gets a license file from SmartBear and uses this file to activate the license on their machine. |
Binding to computer | The license is bound to a user, not to a computer. Users can easily switch between the machines and instances through installing and uninstalling as required. The license can only be used on a single instance once, unless you have agreed otherwise with SmartBear. | The license is bound to one workstation or server. Activation on another machine means deactivation of the current one. |
License subtypes | ID-based licenses can be online or offline. | File-based licenses can be Fixed User and Floating. |
Using on multiple machines | License can be easily switched between user machines: to use the product on another computer, one just needs to uninstall it on the current machine and install it on the other machine. | An easy switch is possible for Floating licenses only. Fixed User licenses must be deactivated first. |
Control of use | Usage is managed through SmartBear-hosted license servers by default. For offline use, the license needs to be converted so it can be hosted and used on your network. | Fixed User: by the licensing subsystem of your ReadyAPI instance. Floating: by the standalone License Manager running in the local network. |
Work in private networks | Support for offline licenses is included in the VirtServer 3.16 release. License activation requires licensing administrator connection to the SmartBear Licensing Portal and converting for on-premise use. | Supported. License activation may require a connection to the SmartBear License Servers. |
Managing users | In the SmartBear Licensing Portal or in the On-Premise License Server installed in your network. | In the standalone License Server. |