Difference between revisions of "Hardware key"

Revision as of 16:22, 21 October 2010

About

Advanced Tubular uses a device called a "hardware key" to control licensing. Others refer to this device as a "dongle." The key is made by Aladdin Knowledge Systems. The model we use is called the "HASP". Aladdin product is high quality, and their tech support is excellent. Software support for their hardware keys can be found on this web page: http://www.aladdin.com/support/hasp.asp

Hardware Key Types

We use two types of hardware keys on our software - Timed-Limited and Permanent These two types come in two forms: PARALLEL and USB. The two on the left in this image are time-limited keys. The two on the right are permanent keys.

About the Time-Limited Hardware Keys

Timed Limited hardware keys contains clock and calendar with built-in memory. These keys are used to run software for a limited amount of time. When the expiration date is reached in the key, our software will indicate that the key is expired. Both of these key forms will have the letters YQGMB on one side of the key. Note: It is possible that other software vendors use keys that appear identical to our keys. They will have different letters than ours. And they will not work with our software.

When do we send time-limited keys?

• For systems that are shipped, but Advanced Tubular is still waiting for final payment.
• For demo packages.
• For lease packages where the customer prefers to rent the package for a limited time.
• For OEM customers that use our software for testing purposes.

Is extending the time-limit possible?

Yes. There are many circumstances where extending the time-limit in a hardware key is normal. The keys can be updated through e-mails and internet downloads. (See Extending Time-Limited Keys for adding time to time-limited keys)

About the Permanent Hardware Key

Permanent keys have no clock, so they never expire. These keys are sent to customers after Advanced Tubular has received full payment for software or hardware systems that have been shipped. Both of these key forms will have the letters IGBXA on one side of the key. Note: It is possible that other software vendors use keys that appear identical to our keys. They will have different letters than ours. And they will not work with our software.

Installing the Hardware Key Windows Device Driver

Each Windows system that uses a hardware key must have a hardware key driver installed using the using one of our driver installation programs. If this driver is not installed, then our software will not find the key even if it is plugged into the computer.

Using the SafeNet Driver (newer version)

• This program needs to be installed one time per system.
• If you are installing this to a Windows Server 2003, then it is important to NOT install this through Terminal Services. Install it directly to Windows Server interface. (They key will not be found if the driver is installed through Terminal Services.)
• This program should be installed before you plug in any USB key. This prevents Windows from automatically installing a hardware key drive that does not work.
• You can download the latest HASPUserSetup.exe program from this page: Utility Software Page
• If the installation of HASPUserSetup.exe fails on your system, then you can use another version of the driver installation called the Hardware Key Driver Installation - Command Line Version - because it runs in the Windows command line.

Using the Legacy HASP Driver (older version)

• This program needs to be installed one time per system.
• If you are installing this to a Windows Server 2003, then it is important to NOT install this through Terminal Services. Install it directly to Windows Server interface. (They key will not be found if the driver is installed through Terminal Services.)
• This program should be installed before you plug in any USB key. This prevents Windows from automatically installing a hardware key drive that does not work.
• This program is no longer downloadable from the utility page. Please contact us if you need a copy of this setup

About Windows Server Terminal Services

• If you are installing the hardware key to a Windows Server station, it is very important to remember that an installation through Terminal Services will show a successful installation of the driver - but the hardware key will NOT be found.
• Install the driver through the main window at the Server.
• Newer versions of Server refer to the Terminal Services as Remote Desktop Services. We have not tested installation through RDS. We recommend that you avoid installation through the remote service.

Key: Licensing and Securing

We program a license code into each hardware key that grants our customers the right to use the software license that they purchased. (See Software License Program ID List for a list of Program IDs used to control the licenses of our products) Empty or non-programmed keys are relatively inexpensive. However, keys with a software license code programmed into them take on the value of a the price of the software license. Extra care should be taken to protect these keys: A lost or stolen hardware key is the equivalent of a lost or stolen license programmed into the key. We suggest that you insure the KEY for the value of license. If the key is stolen, then it will enable the whoever has the key to run our license of software unimpeded. Its replacement cost is the price of a new license.

Document for Managers

You can download and share our Hardware Key Value document with managers that are responsible for securing the license at your facility. The document shares the value the hardware key and how to proceed if it is lost or stolen. It includes information on insuring the key for the value of the software license.

Other Pages

• See Extending Time-Limited Keys for adding time to time-limited keys
• See Set Key License for adjusting permanent hardware keys
• See KeyCheck for checking a hardware key
• See Aladdin DiagnostiX for extended diagnosis of our keys.
• See Software License Program ID List for a list of Program IDs used to control the licenses of our products