In this article, you will find an overview of Caldera product licenses, including the different license types and how renewal dates work.
What is a Caldera License?
A license grants permission to use a Caldera product or service. Caldera products are available with different licensing options based on:
| Commercial model | Perpetual (unlimited license) |
| Subscription or demo (limited license) | |
| License delivery type | Software-based license |
|
Hardware-based license InfoHardware licenses are linked to a physical device called a dongle and have historically been more common with perpetual licenses. |
Software vs. Hardware-Based Licenses
Continue reading or watch the following video:
These are now the default activation method used by Caldera.
Benefits:
- No dongle is required.
- The license is linked to a unique hardware identifier file called a Fingerprint.
- This eliminates the risk of the dongle being damaged, lost, or stolen.
- License activation is faster, as customers do not need to wait for a dongle to be shipped.
Hardware licenses are an alternative to fingerprint-based software licenses.
They are typically recommended when a stable Internet connection cannot be guaranteed on the workstation. Unlike software licenses, a hardware license is linked to a local USB device called a dongle and does not require monthly renewal.
If the computer fails, the dongle can simply be connected to another workstation to continue using the license.
Limitations:
- The dongle adds an additional cost to the Caldera license and must be ordered in advance.
- If the dongle is lost, damaged, or stolen, a replacement must be purchased.
- The activation process may take longer, as the customer must wait for the dongle to be shipped.
How Does a Software-Based License Work?
A software-based license is based on a unique C2V fingerprint file, which replaces the need for a physical dongle.
This fingerprint represents the hardware configuration of the computer where the license is installed, including components such as the network card and other system identifiers.
Because the license is tied to this specific hardware fingerprint, it cannot be used on another computer. However, if the computer fails, the license can be easily transferred. The customer can log in to WorkSpace with their Caldera account and rehost the license on a new computer by generating a new fingerprint.
What is Sentinel?
Sentinel is the licensing technology used by Caldera to manage both software-based and hardware-based licenses.
License Details
Through the Home tab of CalderaDock, you can view the key information related to your license, including the product name, attachment status, license type, validity, and access number:
Click See more to open the Licenses tab, where you can access additional license details.
You can also click the eye icon ( ) to view the specific contents of the license, such as assigned printers, assigned users, and other configuration details.
Key License Dates
- Activation date: The date when the software was first registered in WorkSpace. Once your contract starts, it is recommended to register your license as soon as possible to fully benefit from Caldera services.
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Validity date: The date when the current license period expires, depending on the type of license.
Info
Depending on your time zone, the displayed validity date may differ by one day.
- Expiration date: The date when the license will stop renewing automatically. This depends on your license type and contract terms.
- Update date: The date when the license was last renewed automatically. For perpetual licenses, this date updates every 30 days.
- Milestone date. The next scheduled date when your license will automatically renew. This date is typically set 10 days before the validity or expiration date, depending on the license.
License Renewal Process
When a change is made to a license in WorkSpace, the license must also be updated on the workstation that hosts it (the license server) and, when applicable, on the license client.
Starting with CalderaDock V3, this process is handled automatically. Any modification made to the license in WorkSpace triggers an automatic update, which is applied both on the host workstation running CalderaDock and on any connected license clients.
Monthly Renewal for Perpetual Licenses
Licenses may be perpetual or subscription-based. In both cases, a monthly renewal check is required to ensure the license remains active and synchronized with the licensing system and maintenance status.
Example: If a license is registered on March 3rd, it will initially be valid until April 2nd. It will then automatically renew for another 30‑day period, and this process will continue every month.
This automated process is called Milestone renewal. It occurs every 30 days and requires a brief Internet connection at the time of renewal.
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A continuous internet connection is not required throughout the month; it is only necessary during the initial activation and on the scheduled renewal date.
Considerations
- If the RIP station does not have an Internet connection on the renewal date, a manual renewal will be required. Refer to the related guide for more details.
- If the system date, firewall settings, or other system behaviors interfere with the renewal process, consult the troubleshooting article for assistance.
- If a reliable Internet connection cannot be guaranteed at the required times, using a physical license (dongle) may be a better option.