Table of Contents
Overview
This article provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about installing and managing OLI software. It explains the key differences between license types—Individual and Network—and outlines how each one operates. In both cases, the software is installed directly on the user’s computer, but how the software is secured and accessed can vary depending on the license model.
You’ll find information on activation methods (like Softkeys, Named Users, and USB dongles), as well as practical topics such as how many people can use the software at the same time, what kind of data is stored, and whether updates replace older versions. The guide also covers what to expect during installation, how to uninstall the software, and whether any files are left behind.
What is the difference between Network License vs Individual License?
For both Network and Individual licenses, the software is installed locally on the user’s computer. For Individual licenses, security is also installed locally. These security measures can include:
- Software-Based Keys (Softkey)
- Named Users
- Trial / Evaluation Copies
- USB Keys (a.k.a. Dongles)
Software-Based Keys (Softkey)
This is a software solution used to secure the OLI Software. The end-user generates a permission file that is sent to OLI, which then returns an activation file. This procedure is also used for network licenses. See the Software activation article.
Named Users
In this security model, the end-user logs in to an OLI provider via the cloud; no security device is required. The model can also be administered locally by the client. See the Named User article.
Trial / Evaluation Copies
A trial or evaluation version is requested by a potential end-user and approved by one of OLI’s account managers. It can then be downloaded and installed locally. Generally, the "Named User" model is used for evaluations, although in some cases a softkey version is provided with a typical expiration of 30 days.
USB Keys (Dongles)
USB keys are hardware devices (now less common) that secure the software via an encoded USB 2.0 device. As long as the device is plugged in, the OLI software will operate. See the Software Requirements article.
Network Licenses
Network installations require two programs. The first, the OLI Network License Manager, runs on a dedicated, always-on computer. The second is the OLI Software installed on the end-user’s computer.
The end-user’s software must be configured to contact the computer hosting the Network License Manager. See the Network User article.
How many users can use the software concurrently?
For network usage, the number of concurrent users is limited by the license—for example, a 20-concurrency license allows 20 users simultaneously. For Named Users, the contract specifies the concurrency limit. For individual and trial licenses, usage is limited to one end-user.
Will encryption be used for data protection?
Desktop application documents are stored in a binary, compressed format. Standard user data is not encrypted, although data in a user-created databank is stored encrypted.
Does the software store collected data?
The software only stores minimal data such as the network license server name and, if provided, the user’s name or company information.
Does the software transmit data to third parties?
For network, individual, trial, and evaluation installations, no data is sent to third parties. For Named Users, however, login credentials are transmitted to an OLI server, keeping the data within the OLI domain.
Does the software use custom code?
No, the OLI Desktop software is a single release for all users and does not include customer-specific code changes.
Does the software require elevated rights to install or use?
Install: Yes
Use: No
Note: License manager configuration and start/stop procedures require admin rights.
If a newer version is applied where a previous version existed, does it replace the old version?
No, the newer version does not replace the older version. Multiple major versions (e.g., v1 and v112) can coexist on the same computer, though multiple minor versions (e.g., 11.0.1 and 11.0.2) are not supported.
Are files from older versions compatible with the newer version?
Yes, files are generally upwardly compatible. However, very old files (for example, from OLI Analyzer 3.0) may not open properly in later versions such as V11. In those cases, it may be necessary to use intervening programs. Contact OLI for assistance.
How do you remove the OLI Software? Is anything left behind?
The Windows Add/Remove program is used to uninstall the OLI Software. This removes all software components except for sentinel drivers. Drivers (which require administrative rights to manage) are removed as a separate step.
Conclusion
OLI software is designed to offer flexibility and ease of use across different environments, whether you’re using it individually or as part of a team. Understanding how your license type affects access, security, and updates helps ensure the software runs smoothly and reliably.
This article gives a clear view of what happens during installation, how your information is handled, and what steps are involved when it’s time to update or uninstall. If any additional questions come up, OLI’s team is available to support you with the next steps.