How to install OpenLM Log Reader on UNIX/Linux

The purpose OpenLM Log Reader is to send the information from FLEXlm report log to OpenLM server. You have to install OpenLM Log Reader on every FLEXlm server you monitored by OpenLM. If you have more then one FLEXlm server installed on one server you will need only one installation on the server, it will monitor all the log files.

OpenLM Log Reader was developed using Java so it can run on any operating system supported by FLEXlm floating license manager.

First download OpenLM Log Reader software from OpenLM website downloads area. The download include the following files and folders:

Main folder: openlm_log_reader

lib - Java libraries used by OpenLM Log Reader.
openlm_log_reader.jar - Log Reader executable.
openlm_log_reader_config.xml - OpenLM Log Reader configuration file.
openlm_log_reader.properties - Logger properties.

The steps we need in order to accomplish the task are:
1. Make sure that JRE with version of at least 1.5 is available on the machine (where you typically install software /usr/local).
2. Copy the software to the FLEXlm server (where you typically install software /usr/local).
3. Create a software service that will start with the operating system and run in the background (command: java -jar MyLogReader.jar config.xml).
4. Configure the software.


Configure the path of your log file (Optional)

Edit openlm_log_reader.properties and modify the log file path so it will fit your installation. By default it will create a directory named log under the installation folder.

Configure OpenLM Log Reader (Mandatory)

Open the file config.xml using your favorite text editor.

You need to modify several parameters in order to allow OpenLM Log Reader, to read and send the information to the OpenLM Server. The required information is:

1. The name of OpenLM server.
2. The name of FLEXlm server (exactly as it shows in FLEXlm output).
3. The port of FLEXlm server.
4. Path to FLEXlm debug log file.
   

An example (attributes that need to be edited are marked red):

<ulm>
<receiver receiver_url="http://openlm_server:7016/OpenLMServer" sending_time_out="45"/>

<log_files>
<log server="license_manager_name" port="27000" file_path="C:Templmgrd9.log" size_limit="1" time_interval="10"/>
<log server="license_manager_name" port="9857" file_path="C:Tempacadlmgrd_acad.log" size_limit="1" time_interval="10"/>
...
</log_files>
</ulm>

Any number of port/files can be added, according to the number of FLEXlm servers that run on the machine. When you are done with all the modifications, restart the OpenLM Log Reader server.

Using OpenLM free version to manage your FLEXlm server

Summary

FLEXlm is a floating license manager that is widely used by high end software manufactures. FLEXlm command line based interface is very inconvenient and extremely limited. Most companies need the ability to monitor usage time, have a convenient management interface, manage multiple servers, produce billing reports and a lot more.
OpenLM is a cost effective alternative to Accresso FLEXnet manager. OpenLM Light is a free version targeted towards small teams with a single FLEXlm floating license server.
This article shows how the free version of OpenLM can manage your FLEXlm server.

Short

FLEXlm is a floating license manager that is widely used by high end software manufactures. Most companies need the ability to monitor usage time, have a convenient management interface, manage multiple servers, produce billing reports and a lot more.
OpenLM is a cost effective alternative to Accresso FLEXnet manager. This article shows how the free version of OpenLM can manage your FLEXlm server.

What is FLEXnet (FLEXlm) floating license server

FLEXnet is a license manager which implements both node-locked and floating licensing models.
A node-locked license enables the software user to install and use the software on a specific computer (network node in FLEXlm terminology). However with the floating license model, the software can be installed on any number of computers. In order to activate the software, a license needs to be drawn from the License Pool. Once all licenses are in use, no new users will be able to activate their software, even if they have it installed on their computer.
The number of licenses on the servers are limited to the number of purchased licenses. When the number of simultaneous (concurrent) users is equal to the number of licenses the next user will not be able to activate the software - in FLEXlm terminology this user received a "Denial".

Who is using FLEXnet (FLEXlm) floating license server

The FLEXnet license manager is incorporated into the software products of more then 2000 vendors. Following 20 years of activity, FLEXnet is in use at many organizations, from small companies to global ones. FLEXnet libraries are sold to software vendors that incorporate them into their software. End users receive FLEXnet when they purchase different software packages.

The need

The interface of the FLEXnet software is based mostly on a command line which is very inconvenient and extremely limited. While it might be sufficient for companies with a small number of users and licenses, it is not sufficient for the larger companies. For example, FLEXnet has the ability to reflect some information on license activity in real time, but it does not collect any information on the usage over time.

Recognizing the need, Macrovision (which recently sold it's software unit to Acresso software company) created the FLEXnet manager software which helps system administrators to get real management capabilities on floating licenses in their organizations. OpenLM created a compatible and very cost effective alternative, which includes most of the FLEXnet manager features plus additional features that are available solely at OpenLM.

Using the free alternative - OpenLM Light version

OpenLM is provided in several versions

• OpenLM Utilizer: includes features such as multiple server monitoring, license statistics, reports, billing and much more.

• OpenLM for ESRI ArcGIS: has special extension to allow for unique features, including automatic TIMEOUT capabilities and more.

• OpenLM Light: a free limited version which includes some of the OpenLM software features.

While the investment in OpenLM Utilizer will prove itself worthwhile in a very short time, some small organizations still prefer to use the OpenLM Light - free version.

This article describes the capabilities of the OpenLM Light free version.

OpenLM Architecture

OpenLM is a server application which is normally installed on the license server, but it could also be installed on any server or station just as well.
OpenLM Server is implemented as a Windows Service that is able to monitor any number of Floating License servers (mainly FLEXnet/FLEXlm).
OpenLM EasyAdmin is the OpenLM interface and it is implemented as a web application which can be served by any web server (Apache, Jakarta Tomcat, Microsoft IIS, etc.). OpenLM could be accessed from any workstation on the network, or even externally.

OpenLM Agent is an optional component which could be used to allow end users to query license availability. The use of the Agent offers the ability to enhance license usage in many ways.

OpenLM Installation

OpenLM server is distributed as an MSI file and could be easily installed on a server or Windows XP workstation that has .Net 2 installed.
The installation should take no longer than 5 minutes and it does not require configuration, except the addition of your list of license severs. The free version is limited to only one license server so only one license server can be added.

By default EasyAdmin is installed and served using an embedded web server - SHTTPD. The purpose of distributing SHTTPD is to offer a quick and easy installation of the software. However, it is recommended to install EasyAdmin on a regular HTTP server following the initial installation. This article explains how to install EasyAdmin on your IIS web server - How to install.

The installation of OpenLM EasyAdmin Agent is simple and can be done manually on every workstation or distributed to all workstations automatically. A sample distribution for the KIX script language can be downloaded from OpenLM downloads area.

OpenLM Configuration

OpenLM is automatically configured out of the box therefore only minimal configuration work is required. OpenLM configuration form is simple and friendly as can be seen in the following image (The license servers tab is open):

Additional important configuration is the Notifications configuration which allows OpenLM to send email messages to the system administrator. The relevant parameters can simply be copied from the mail client or taken from the system administrator. Configuring notification will allow OpenLM Server to send messages concerning problems with the license server, updates to OpenLM Software and more.

Software Updates

OpenLM has an automatic software update mechanism that notifies and updates the software automatically as updates become available.
The system is working differently for the Agent and the Server.

OpenLM Server - Message on new versions and updates are sent to the system administrator. The system administrator can, at his convenience, download and update the server.

OpenLM Agent - The update process for the agents is controlled by the system administrator. Once the administrator decides to allow the OpenLM Agents to be updated, he/she can start the process by using the OpenLM configuration form and by directing the new software version into the chosen location (URL or URI), accessible to the workstations.

Management, Reports and FLEXnet license statistics

The free version of OpenLM offers a slick interface for license management and some reporting capabilities that can address the needs of small organizations. OpenLM EasyAdmin control panel page shows information on activity of the license server in four floating windows (limited to only one FLEXlm server while the full version of the software can show the activity of any number of FLEXlm license servers).

The license tab window shows information on the licenses which are available on the server.
A click on the usage button opens a pop-up window which enables the user to draw FLEXlm license statistics with resolution of minutes and hours (the full version of OpenLM supplies daily, weekly and monthly statistics).

Active products enable users to manage the active users in a very efficient way. Showing the listing of active users, removing licenses and additional actions. The filter that pops at the left side of the tab, filters lists that may contain thousands of rows, in a fraction of a second.

All EasyAdmin tabs include easy and convenient filters that enable the user to filter reports according to any value.

The full version of OpenLM includes the workstations user activity and closed process tab, that supply advanced management and statistical tools.

Conclusion

Small companies with one FLEXlm floating license server can enjoy the free OpenLM software to manage their floating licenses. The software enhances the management capabilities of the system administrator and enables more efficient usage of licenses. Both small and larger companies can enjoy significant savings by implementing OpenLM Utilizer, which has many additional features at very low cost.

Oren Gabay, CTO
oren@openlm.com
http://www.openlm.com

Automatic software updates for OpenLM Agent

With the announcement of version 1.5.1 of OpenLM we now support automatic software updates for OpenLM Agent. This article will explain how the automatic update system works and provide users with tips and advice for successful implementation.

Updates to OpenLM Server

Global Maps publishes new versions of OpenLM from time to time and also issues service packs on specific issues that arise between versions. Maintaining your software at the latest updated level, or with the most recent service pack, is the key to ensuring that you always receive the highest possible efficiencies from your floating license server (FLEXlm).

From version 1.5.1 forward, OpenLM server will periodically and automatically check for software updates on OpenLM Server. Once it finds an update relevant to the installed software, the local OpenLM Server will send an update notification to the system administrator, as per the instruction defined by the system administrator on the OpenLM Server Notification tab. If the system administrator did not define such instruction, OpenLM Server will log a message to the System Event Viewer.

The system manager will be able to update the server software immediately by downloading the software from the OpenLM site download area.
In most cases the published package will do all the updates automatically once it has been executed.

Updates to OpenLM Agent software

Background

OpenLM includes optional Agent software, i.e. software that is applied by the user to query license availability and communicate with other users on needed licenses. On supported software systems such as ESRI ArcGIS, the Agent is responsible for closing the licensed software in order to release idle licenses back to the license pool.

There are a number of ways to distribute OpenLM Agent software to end user's workstations:
1. Manual distribution - ideal for smaller companies. Distribution can be done either automatically via the system, or by asking authorized users to install the software.
2. Automatic - OpenLM Agent supports installation and enable configuration of parameters so that software can be easily distributed by using automatic software distribution system such as Microsoft SMS, Altiris-Symantec and others.

3. OpenLM Automatic Software Update - OpenLM Agent will automatically update itself once the system administrator decides to distribute a software update.

Update Process Base Assumptions

The OpenLM Software update process has been designed to operate under the following assumptions and conditions:

• Because OpenLM installation requires an update of registry keys and DLL registration, the installation requires local administrator privileges.
• The system administrator has to control the timing in which the software will be updated. This requirement has been included as system administrators usually prefer to check the update on a test environment before using it in a production environment.
• On some user sites local administrators have authorisation to install software on their workstations, while other sites are fully managed and users are unauthorised to install software on their workstations.
• Fully managed sites have professional staff members which are competent to distribute software by using management systems such as Microsoft SMS and others.
• The Agent update process is able to download the update from OpenLM site or from a local HTTP server or even from a shared folder. When using a local download site, it is the system administrator's responsibility to download the files from OpenLM site and put them in the local update site.
• The software will never update an Agent to a major version which is higher then the server version.
• The software will only update the Agent if the new version is greater then the existing version.
  

The Update Process

A typical update process will usually follow the sequence below:

1. The system manager will receive a message from his local OpenLM Server informing him/her that an update is now available.
2. The system manager will download the update manually and install on a few workstations for testing.
3. The system manager copies the update files and the manifest file to a local http server, or use the OpenLM Server on the Internet as an update source. The location of the manifest file is usually: C:Program FilesGlobalMapsOpenLMServerManifest.
4. The system manager sets OpenLM Server configuration form to distribute updates to agents.
5. The next time an Agent checks for updates on the server, it will find that an update is available.
6. Agents will download the update from the location the server specifies, based on CPU/IO idle times in order to prevent from interfiring with the ongoing work users perform.
7. Once the update has been downloaded, it will run silently in the background and will restart OpenLM Agent automatically.

Important note: Use the automatic update process only when all your users have local administrator's authority enabled on their local machines.

Required Server Settings

Regardless of the update method that you are using, it is essential that your "Notification" setting is operational. It will allow your OpenLM Server to send you messages on software updates which are available on the OpenLM web site.

In the OpenLM Server configuration tab, make sure that the "Notify me about updates..." check box is checked as shown:

If you are using the automatic update feature of OpenLM Agent and you wish to initiate the update, you can start the update process from the OpenLM Server configuration form. Just check the "Update OpenLM Agents Automatically" check box as shown:

The download location can be OpenLM Server or any other HTTP server that the user can access. The system manager will put an updated manifest file under the server folder as shown:

Tracking the update process

OpenLM gives the system manager all the needed tools that allow full tracking and monitoring of the software update process. Using the OpenLM EasyAdmin interface the system manager can get:

• A list of workstations that do not have an agent.
• Workstations with older software version.
• Last time a workstation has communicated with the server.
• The user who is logged into the workstation.
• And more.

This screen lists the workstation that has a communicating Agent and the Agent version:

FLEXlm License Servers consolidation drive to large savings

As the world economy is going through a major turmoil and the budget for hardware and software purchasing is shrinking, managers all over the globe are searching for innovative ways to lower their expenses without hurting workers productivity. One of the "black holes" in every budget at every organization or company that use software (and who doesn't?) is the cost for software maintenance fees, which are paid annually to the software vendors. This article discusses the possibility of phenomenal savings to any budget, by performing a restructuring of the way costly software products managed via floating licenses are being used.

The promise of Floating Licenses: A floating (concurrent) license allows multiple users to share the use of a software application. However, a single license can not be used by multiple users simultaneously. When a user completes his work with the software, another user can begin using it. The promise of the Floating License concept is that shared software assets can provide for less spending, without hurting production. In reality it is rarely achieved and most organizations purchase more floating licenses than are actually needed, for lack of management tools and knowledge.

Acresso Software FLEXnet (FLEXlm) is the leading software in the field of floating licenses. FLEXnet is used by more then 2000 software vendors. Examples are: Autodesk, Borland , Cadence, EDS, Macromedia , Mathsoft, Mathworks , PTC, Rational, Softimage, Solidworks, Sybase, Synopsys, WindRiver, FreeScale, ICS, Foundry, VSNi, Tri-Pacific

Additional source of information for software vendors that use FLEXlm licensing is flexlm.wiselm.com

One of the most important principles when using floating licenses, is that as the number of license servers at use goes down, the efficiency of the network grows. In other words, when a license pool is being split between a growing amount of servers, there is a substance loss of efficiency and less users can take advantage of available licenses. So why does so many organizations use floating license servers in inefficient way?

Reasons for inefficient use of expensive floating licenses

• Historical reasons - A department bought the licenses long ago and managers tend to think of the software as the department's property.

As a result, in many organizations different departments buy duplicated licenses before exploring the option of sharing available licenses.

• Lack of good management tools - FLEXnet (FLEXlm) does not supply management tools as part of the basic package. The lack of good management tools does not allow managers to manage the licenses for best results.

• The need to keep redundant license servers, in order to avoid down time when users are unable to access licenses.

• Sometimes wide area networks are too slow to allow a user to access license servers over the WAN.
  

Successful license server consolidation require the right tools

A successful consolidation process requires careful planning and has to be based on a detailed usage information database, collected over time. Organizations that go forward with the consolidation process are often involved in difficult situations, when trying to manage the combined license pool. However by choosing the correct software tool and some careful planning, will assure the success of the consolidation while providing good license availability and savings of software maintenance fees.

Important features in management tools for license server consolidation include:

• Support for multiple servers

• Support for multiple time zones, for any of the servers or users

• Detailed usage reports

• Alerts for important events

• Billing reports for total time of usage

• Convenient web based interface
• Automatic idle license release - easy timeout setup (advance OpenLM feature)

In conclusion, for a good implementation of a floating license server consolidation program, companies require advance management tool such as Acresso FLEXnet Manager or OpenLM Utilizer. By using these types of applications, system managers should be able to simplify the process and keep tight control over license usage.



Summary

Many organizations use software systems licensed by floating license servers like FLEXnet (FLEXlm). Consolidation of Floating License Servers (FLEXlm) can save a huge amount of money over time (in annual maintenance fees and the need for less licenses overall). Listed in this article are the different reasons for the inefficient usage of this expensive resource. Consolidating the floating license server requires careful planning based on usage information which is collected over a long period of time. Software systems like Acresso FLEXnet manager or OpenLM Utilizer supply the needed features to implement the complex task.


Summary (150)

Many organizations use software systems licensed by floating license servers like FLEXnet. Consolidation of Floating License Servers can save a huge amount of money over time (in annual maintenance fees and the need for less licenses overall). Listed in this article are the different reasons for the inefficient usage of this expensive resource. Software systems like Acresso FLEXnet manager or OpenLM Utilizer supply the needed features to implement the complex task.




Consolidation of FLEXlm servers can save a huge amount of money over time but can be a very complex task. Software like [OpenLM Utilizer|http://www.openlm.com] can help you in accomplishing that.

Many organizations use software systems licensed by floating license servers like FLEXnet (FLEXlm). Consolidation of Floating License Servers (FLEXlm) can save a huge amount of money over time (in ann

We received many requests to explain the "communicating" and "non-communicating" workstations tab - so here it is:

An OpenLM Agent could be installed on end users workstations in order to allow the system to close software and release floating licenses back to the license pool when a user is inactive. So far, OpenLM Agent is installed mostly with OpenLM for ESRI ArcGIS software, since we support the TIMEOUT feature for this software.

Workstations tab in EasyAdmin was designed in order to allow an easy management of Agent installations. EasyAdmin lists the "communicating" and " non-communicating" workstations in two separate lists.

The principle is that a "workstation", as defined for OpenLM, is a workstation that used floating license that is monitored by OpenLM Server, at least once. If a workstation has never accessed any floating license and OpenLM Agent is not installed on it, then OpenLM software will not be aware of it, and it will not be listed in any of the lists.

A communicating workstation is a workstation that has an Agent and it is constantly sending out "AgentAlive" messages to OpenLM Server.

A "non-communicating" workstation is a workstation that accesses floating licenses (which are monitored by OpenLM Server) but does not send out the "AgentAlive" message to the OpenLM Server. When a workstation with an installed Agent that regularly communicates with the server misses several sequential "AgentAlive" requests, it will be also listed in the "non-communicating" list. In the current version 1.5.0, the listing of that workstation is kept in the "communicating" workstations list, but it will be changed in the next version (1.5.1) due to the confusion it is creating. In version 1.5.1, once the workstation stops communicating it will only be listed only in the "non-communicating" list.

How can the system administrator use the workstations tab?

There are many possible examples, here are a few:

• Management of the Agent software distribution: During Agent distribution proses, it is very helpful to track progress using the information displayed in this tab. The distribution process ends when the "non- communicating" list of workstations is empty.
• After distributing OpenLM Agent to all workstations, the system manager can see if any of the Agents has a software problem, wrong settings or if it was deliberately stopped for any reason.
• A great tool to locate unauthorized access to the licenses: In version 1.5.1 the list will include the workstation name, time and the last user that worked on the workstation.

Access control for EasyAdmin using Microsoft IIS

The use of OpenLM for the management of FLEXnet license servers provides a unique set of tools for managers and system administrators. Features are ranging from a simple inventory management, to usage patterns and billing reports. OpenLM EasyAdmin supplies a wide range of license statistics, FLEXnet reports and management tools. The ability to control access to EasyAdmin is very important when the tool is distributed among many users.

OpenLM includes a built in web server in order to make sure that new users are able to install the software and use EasyAdmin. Following the initial evaluation period of the software, we strongly recommend to move EasyAdmin to your preferred web server: IIS, Apache etc. Check the following article that explains how to setup OpenLM on IIS server.

IIS server supports two methods that allow you to restrict access to EasyAdmin:

1. By user - Authentication and Access control.
   
2. By Host - IP address and domain name restrictions.
   

More detailed information is available at Microsoft site: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/324274

By User - Authentication and Access control

By default, when you create a new web site it will receive the default authentication - "Enable anonymous access" which allows any user to access the web site. The following image shows the default settings of a site:

IIS server offers few authentication methods that are based on the NTFS access control lists. Access rights to EasyAdmin are determined according to the access permissions to EasyAdmin folder, as demonstrated in the following image:

The authentication methods supported by IIS are:

Integrated Windows authentication - A secured method based on Microsoft NTLM which is supported both by Microsoft Explorer and Mozilla Firefox. The user will be required to type his user name and password in a popup box and if he/she has permissions to the folder, access will be granted.
This is the highest security method but it is limited only to intranet access with a single domain.

Digest authentication for Windows domain servers - A Medium security authentication method that can be used to gain access from a network with multiple domains, or even outside the network. User and password will be encrypted when transferred over the network. This method only works with Windows domain servers.

Basic authentication - Lowest security method. Based on user credentials that are sent over the network as clear text.

.NET Passport authentication - Based on the Microsoft service, we will not discuss this method here at this point.

By Host - Restrict Access by IP Address and domain name

Alternative method for user access control is done by applying restriction according to host IP or domain. By this method the server will limit or allow access to the EasyAdmin application according to the requesting IP address or domain.

The use of IP address or domain name can be useful to limit access to a group of computers or a sub domain, which includes the system administrators. It can be easily done with IIS:

Usually, the most simple method to apply a host based access restriction is to deny access from everyone and to grant access only to a few carefully selected computers.

Summary

The implementation of access control for EasyAdmin is very simple if you serve EasyAdmin with a IIS server. There are two categories of tools, based on host or on user. The methods that are based on user authentication are more flexible and offer different levels of security, depending on the organization's needs.

The use of OpenLM for the management of FLEXnet license servers provides a unique set of tools for managers and system administrators. Features range from a simple inventory management, to usage patterns and billing reports. OpenLM EasyAdmin supplies a wide range of license statistics, FLEXnet reports and management tools. The ability to control access to EasyAdmin is very important when the application is distributed among many users.

What is expected in version 1.5.1 of OpenLM

OpenLM version 1.5.1 is focused on better license statistics for FLEXlm (FLEXnet). The new version brings improved user interface, advanced queries and a lot more FLEXnet statistics and information.

1. New report for closed software, including when, how, and more.
2. Information added to communicating agents list - agent version and user name was added.
3. Information added to the non-communicating agent list - last heartbeat and last known user.
4. The system will include full support for borrowed licenses in all the system tabs.
5. More information and new style filter was added to the Active Products tab.
6. Immense change in EasyAdmin control panel - servers statistics and system warnings.
7. Addition of a licensing tab to the server configuration form.
8. Automatic updates ability to the OpenLM Agent.
9. Information on updates to OpenLM Server software will be sent automatically to the system manager.
10. OpenLM will display warnings on problems with the floating license manager:
    
1. Near 100% usage.
2. Multiple features held by one user on more then one workstation.
3. Alerts when the FLEXlm server is not available.
   
11. Advanced filtering for all the tabs in EasyAdmin. Allow selection of multiple values to filter by and combination of fields.