The network licence method also allows users to check-out temporary licences from the central pool of network licences on your server. This option can be very useful for laptops, for example, when they are are removed from the network but still need access to the licenced software.
Checked-out licences are temporary and last a maximum of 30 days, after which they are automatically re-credited to the networks central pool and de-activated on the roaming laptop. There is also the option to check-in a licence before the 30 days is up if it is no longer needed, or extend the check-out for a further 30 days by re-connecting to the network server. Follow the steps below for how to check-out a network licence:
1. Setup your licence server to allow check-outs
The first step in the check-out process starts with the Local Licence Service. In the LICENCE SERVICE tab, you should see a list of all your served licences.
In the For Loan cell enter the maximum number of licences you are willing to have checked-out at any one time. Then, enter a password for security in the adjacent cell. Don't forget to choose the Apply Changes button at the bottom.
Note: It is not possible to reduce the For Loan value if there are licences currently out on loan. For example, if 3 licences have been checked-out it is not possible to reduce the maximum licences on loan to less than 3, until one or more of the checked-out licences have been checked back in. The maximum licences on loan can be increased at anytime however, as long as there are spare network licences available.
2. Ensure there is a network licence
Connect the laptop that you want to check-out a licence for to the network, and make sure it has collected a network licence from your server (full details on the "Connecting workstations to your server" page).
3. Start the check-out process
Once the laptop has a network licence, from within the software go to Help » Check Out Licence.... This will open the Software Activation wizard. Click the Next » button to start the check-out process.
4. Enter the check-out password
Once you have clicked Next » a dialog box will display prompting you to enter a password. This must be the same password as you previously specified when setting up check-outs in step 1 above.
Having entered a correct password your server will deduct a licence from the central pool of network licences and provide this licence to the laptop. The laptop can now be removed from the network and continue to use the software for 30 days.
5. Extending or returning a loan
You can extend or return your loaned licence at any time by connecting the laptop to the local network and selecting the Help » Check In or Extend Licence... menu item. This will display the two options in the Activation Wizard.
Simply choose the option you want and click Next ». Extending your licence will require entering the password again.