Licensing

Starting with Vortex Studio 2023.7, no license activation is needed to run a simulation of content created with Vortex Studio Editor (or purchased from CM Labs) on another computer.

"Running a simulation" is accessible on any individual computer, allowing the use of applications like Python, Unity, or Unreal to execute a simulation with Vortex Studio content, regardless of the operating system, as long as it is compatible with Vortex Studio.

However, for Vortex Studio Create applications, which encompass Vortex Studio Editor and Vortex Studio Debugger, a license activation is still necessary.

Whenever a simulation utilizes a Vortex Studio Activate feature, a Vortex Studio license activation becomes mandatory.

Licensing Getting Started

As per your CM Labs contract terms, you have the right to access one or more products.

CM Labs will generate activation keys corresponding to the products you have purchased.

An activation key consists of a 16-digit code and is essential for creating one or more license files for the computer(s) where Vortex Studio applications will be utilized.

With the Vortex Studio License Manager application, you can easily generate license files by using the activation keys provided by CM Labs. There is no need to reach out to support for generating license files once you possess an activation key.

Notably, Vortex Studio licenses are not tied to a specific version of the software. They enable users to operate any version released or to be released before the maintenance and support expiration date.

Each product is distinct, meaning that each license file grants access to a specific product.

See Using the License Manager Application.

To generate license files using your activation key(s), you will need a computer with an internet connection.

Terminology

  • Activation Key:
    An activation key is a 16-digit code utilized to produce one or more license files.

  • Activation Server:
    It is the server that users connect to for generating a license file using an activation key. The RLM activation server is accessed via the internet. The activation server URL is http://hostedactivation.com/cmlabs.

  • License File:
    This is a file generated as a result of creating a license.

  • License Server:
    A centralized computer software system that enables client computers to activate licensed software for operation.

  • License Folder:
    It is the location of the generated license file, typically found in the C:/CM Labs/Licenses folder on Windows or /opt/cmlabs/licenses/ on Linux.

  • Activation Key Expiry Date:
    The specific date when the activation key becomes invalid for generating a new license.

  • License Expiry Date, or Expiration Date:
    This marks the date when the license becomes invalid. Post this date, product usage is halted until a new license file is generated.

  • Maintenance and Support Expiration Date:
    This signifies the date when the Maintenance and Support services linked to your license cease. Beyond this date, support services and updates to a new version of Vortex Studio software are no longer available.

  • Maximum Fulfillments:
    It denotes the maximum number of times the activation key can be utilized to create a license. For a floating license, all fulfillments are utilized and converted into seats on a license server.

Types of Licensing

Two types of licenses are available based on the products you have acquired.

Node-Locked Licensing

Node-locked license files are tied to a single hardware device and are non-transferable. Multiple application instances can run concurrently on the same computer.

See Generating Node-Locked License Files.

Floating Licensing

Floating licensing operates through license servers where the application utilizing a floating license needs to establish a connection with the server. A request is then forwarded to the server for validation. If an available license is found, the license server grants permission for the application to operate.

Once the application releases the license, it is retrieved by the license server and becomes accessible to other authorized users. This system ensures that a set maximum number of computers can concurrently access the product under the floating licensing scheme.

See License Server Setup.

See Generating Floating License Files.

Application-Locked Licensing

This type of licensing is not needed anymore.

Compatibility Notice

How to Use Your Activation Key

How to Use Your Activation Key for Vortex Studio Create

License

Description

How To

License

Description

How To

Vortex Studio Create – Subscription Node Locked

Provides generation of one node-locked license file valid for 1 year.

Generating Node-Locked License Files

Vortex Studio Create - Subscription Floating

Provides generation of one floating license file valid for 1 year on a license server.

Generating Floating License Files
Connecting Computers to a License Server

Vortex Studio Demonstration – Time Limited Node Locked

Provides generation of one node-locked license file valid with a limited time for demonstration purposes.

Generating Node-Locked License Files

How to Use Your Activation Key for Vortex Studio Activate

License

Description

How To

License

Description

How To

Vortex Studio Activate Five Nodes – Subscription Node-Locked

Provides generation of five node-locked license files valid for 1 year.

Generating Node-Locked License Files for a Simulator

Vortex Studio Activate One Node – Subscription Node-Locked

Provides generation of one node-locked license files valid for 1 year.

Generating Node-Locked License Files for a Simulator

Vortex Studio One Activate Node - Permanent Node-Locked

Provides generation of one node-locked license files valid permanently.

Generating Node-Locked License Files for a Simulator

Vortex Studio Activate Five Nodes – Subscription Floating

Provides generation of five floating license files valid for 1 year on a license server.

Generating Floating License Files
Connecting Simulator Computers to a License Server

Vortex Studio Activate One Node – Subscription Floating

Provides generation of one floating license file valid for 1 year on a license server.

Generating Floating License Files
Connecting Simulator Computers to a License Server

Vortex Studio Unlimited Activate Node - Permanent Node-Locked

Provides generation of an unlimited number of node-locked license files valid permanently.

Generating Node-Locked License Files for a Simulator