Table of Contents
- Overview
- Starting the OLI Network License Administrator
- Adding a License Server
- Modifying an Installed Server
- Logging Who Uses the OLI Software Packages
- Client Serial Number
- Conclusion
Overview
The OLI Network License Administrator is a specialized utility designed for administrators to manage, monitor, and secure access to OLI’s software suite across a networked environment. With precise control over licensing, session tracking, and client access, the tool enables organizations to optimize their software usage while maintaining compliance and operational efficiency.
This guide outlines key functions of the License Administrator, including server setup, user session management, local client serial number issuance, and software usage logging. The tool is purpose-built for reliability and configurability, two critical requirements in complex, high-performance process environments.
Starting the OLI Network License Administrator
The OLI Network License Administrator tool allows a user with administrative privileges to modify how the OLI network security operates. Some of the things the "Admin" can do are:
- Force a logout of a user who has consumed too much time
- Keep track of who uses the software
- Issue local client serial numbers that are more specific than those issued by OLI.
- Others
To start the software, locate the tool as indicated below:
Adding a License Server
When starting the OLI Network Administrator, there may be no information present.
To add a server, enter the name or address of the server in the Server Address box below. In our example, the server name is "GRANITE."
Please note, OLI has no way of knowing what this name may be. Your system administrator will provide this information to you.
Next, select the protocol from the drop-down box; the ncacn_ip_tcp is usually the one we choose.
Now, click the Add button.
You can now manage the server. You can also have several servers. Follow the same steps as above.
Modifying an installed server.
OLI allows multiple license managers to run simultaneously. If yours is displayed as in the example below, double-click the server to continue.
Logins
The default screen is the Logins screen. Here you can see who is logged in and for how long. Here we have several users logged in. In our example, we clicked the fourth user "jberthold."
If you click on any line for that, you will get more information about the session.
If the user had left the software running and you have exceeded your license count, you can force the user to log out using the Force Logout button.
Force Logout
You can highlight the user/program line you'd like to log out. In this example, we have highlighted the Stream Analyzer software for the user jberthold.
Then click the Force Logout button.
You can now see that the user jberthold has been removed from the list. We have forced the user to log out.
Please note that the program on the user's computer remains open, allowing them to save any work.
Settings
The settings tab has several options. The default view is the Summary mini-tab. On this tab, you can see the server information and how many seats are currently in use for the software.
Options
The Options mini-tab provides you with some additional information.
The Server Information Visibility options allow specific server information (such as who is logged in) to be displayed at the client's computer. Usually, this is turned off.
The Performance options allow the admin to change how often the server checks to see if the clients are present. Slow or heavily trafficked networks may require longer times.
Logging who uses the OLI Software Packages
The Log File options enable administrators to view a historical record of who has logged into the server, which products are used, and for how long. This is a non-rolling file. It will continue to grow in size until the admin stops logging or deletes the file.
You can locate the log file on your local computer rather than on the server.
The actual contents of the log file are "quote" delimited. It isn't easy to read this file, so it can be imported into a spreadsheet program.
Here in Microsoft Excel, you can see the time and date of each session. Also, the user name and the computer name are recorded along with the product. The duration is recorded.
Client Serial Number
Usually, the client serial number provided by OLI in the OLI Network License file is sufficient. Occasionally, the admin may decide to limit access to a program or programs (such as a summer intern) or for a project of limited duration. A local client serial number can be provided here.
In this example, we have provided an expiration date. This date must be the same or earlier than the expiration date for the server.
You cannot extend it past the server serial number expiration date.
This generates a local client serial number which can then be provided to the end user when installing.
In this example, we limited our "Summer Intern" to the end of August and restricted access to some software.
Conclusion
The OLI Network License Administrator offers a secure, transparent, and flexible framework for managing access to OLI software products in enterprise and research environments. By equipping administrators with detailed session visibility, license control mechanisms, and customizable serial number management, OLI ensures that its licensing solutions can support the operational rigor and agility demanded in today’s industrial applications.
For any questions or advanced configuration needs, please contact OLI Technical Support.