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Vantage-Managed RLM Server Setup

Configure RLM (Reprise License Manager) license servers managed entirely by Vantage with zero maintenance overhead. Vantage-managed servers provide high availability, automatic updates, and comprehensive monitoring without requiring any infrastructure management on your part.

Overview​

With Vantage-managed RLM servers, Vantage handles:

  • Infrastructure Management: Server provisioning, maintenance, and scaling
  • Software Updates: Automatic RLM updates and security patches
  • High Availability: Built-in redundancy and failover capabilities
  • Web Interface Management: Secure access to RLM web interface
  • Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring with alerting and reporting
  • Backup and Recovery: Automated backup and disaster recovery

Prerequisites​

Before setting up a Vantage-managed RLM server, you need:

  • Valid License Files: RLM license files from your software vendor
  • Vantage Account: Active Vantage Compute account with license management permissions
  • Network Configuration: Proper network connectivity from your compute resources
  • Vendor Information: Details about your software vendor and license requirements

Setup Process​

1. Access License Management​

  1. Log into your Vantage dashboard
  2. Navigate to Licenses → Servers
  3. Click Add License Server
  4. Select RLM as the server type
  5. Choose Vantage-Managed deployment option

2. Configure Server Details​

Provide the following information:

  • Server Name: Descriptive name for your license server
  • Region: Geographic region for optimal performance
  • Software Vendor: Select from supported vendors or specify custom
  • License Configuration: Specify RLM-specific settings

3. Upload License Files​

Upload your RLM license files through the Vantage interface:

  1. Click Upload License Files
  2. Select your .lic files
  3. Verify license information is correctly parsed
  4. Review RLM server configuration summary

4. Web Interface Configuration​

Configure RLM web interface settings:

  • Admin Access: Set up administrative users
  • Security Settings: Configure authentication and access controls
  • Monitoring: Enable web interface monitoring
  • Custom Branding: Optional custom branding for web interface

5. Launch Deployment​

  1. Review all configuration settings
  2. Estimate costs based on usage patterns
  3. Click Deploy RLM Server
  4. Monitor deployment progress in real-time

CLI-Based Deployment​

Alternatively, you can provision your Vantage-managed RLM server using the Vantage CLI for automation and infrastructure-as-code workflows.

1. Install and Authenticate Vantage CLI​

# Install Vantage CLI
pip install vantage-cli

# Authenticate
vantage auth login
# Or use API token
export VANTAGE_API_TOKEN="your_api_token"

2. Create RLM Server Configuration​

Create a configuration file for your RLM server:

# rlm-config.yaml
apiVersion: v1
kind: LicenseServer
metadata:
  name: "rlm-production"
  description: "Production RLM server for CAD applications"
  tags:
    environment: "production"
    team: "design"
    application: "cad"

spec:
  type: "rlm"
  deployment: "vantage-managed"
  
  infrastructure:
    region: "us-east-1"
    instance_type: "professional"
    multi_az: true
    storage_encrypted: true
    
  configuration:
    server_port: 5053
    web_port: 4954
    ssl_enabled: true
    admin_interface: true
    debug_logging: false
    
  licensing:
    concurrent_limit: "unlimited"
    queue_enabled: true
    timeout: 7200
    roam_enabled: true
    
  security:
    authentication: "local"
    admin_password: "auto-generated"
    access_control:
      client_restrictions: true
      allowed_networks:
        - "192.168.0.0/16"
        - "10.0.0.0/8"
        
  monitoring:
    enabled: true
    metrics_retention: 90
    alerts:
      license_usage:
        threshold: 85
        notifications: ["email"]
      server_status:
        notifications: ["slack", "email"]
        
  backup:
    enabled: true
    schedule: "0 3 * * *"
    retention: 30

3. Deploy RLM Server​

# Create the RLM server
vantage license-servers create --config rlm-config.yaml

# Monitor deployment
vantage license-servers status rlm-production --watch

# Get deployment details
vantage license-servers describe rlm-production --output yaml

4. Upload and Manage License Files​

# Upload RLM license files
vantage license-servers upload-licenses rlm-production 
  --files "*.lic" 
  --recursive 
  --validate

# Verify license installation
vantage license-servers licenses status rlm-production

# Check specific license features
vantage license-servers licenses features rlm-production 
  --filter "autocad,solidworks"

5. Configure RLM-Specific Settings​

# Configure ISV servers
vantage license-servers configure rlm-production 
  --isv-config isv1:autocad:port=5054,isv2:solidworks:port=5055

# Set up roaming licenses
vantage license-servers configure rlm-production 
  --enable-roaming 
  --roaming-timeout 7200 
  --max-roaming-licenses 10

# Configure license queuing
vantage license-servers configure rlm-production 
  --enable-queuing 
  --queue-timeout 1800 
  --max-queue-length 50

# Set up client restrictions
vantage license-servers configure rlm-production 
  --client-restrictions host1.company.com,host2.company.com 
  --restriction-type include

6. Advanced RLM Operations​

License Analytics​

# Get real-time license usage
vantage license-servers monitor rlm-production 
  --metrics licenses,users,features

# Generate usage reports
vantage license-servers report rlm-production 
  --type usage 
  --period monthly 
  --format pdf 
  --email admin@company.com

# Export license history
vantage license-servers export rlm-production 
  --type history 
  --date-range "2024-01-01,2024-03-31" 
  --format csv

User and Group Management​

# List active users
vantage license-servers users list rlm-production 
  --status active

# Set user priorities
vantage license-servers users configure rlm-production 
  --user john.doe 
  --priority high 
  --max-licenses unlimited

# Create user groups
vantage license-servers groups create rlm-production 
  --name "cad-users" 
  --members "user1,user2,user3" 
  --max-licenses 20

Performance Optimization​

# Scale server resources
vantage license-servers scale rlm-production 
  --instance-type enterprise 
  --apply-immediately

# Configure caching
vantage license-servers configure rlm-production 
  --enable-caching 
  --cache-size 512MB 
  --cache-timeout 300

# Optimize for high concurrency
vantage license-servers tune rlm-production 
  --max-connections 1000 
  --connection-timeout 60

7. Monitoring and Alerting​

# Set up custom alerts
vantage license-servers alerts create rlm-production 
  --name "autocad-exhaustion" 
  --condition "feature:autocad usage > 90%" 
  --action "email:cad-admin@company.com"

# Configure Slack notifications
vantage license-servers alerts create rlm-production 
  --name "server-health" 
  --condition "server health != healthy" 
  --action "slack:#license-alerts"

# Monitor license denials
vantage license-servers monitor rlm-production 
  --track-denials 
  --alert-threshold 5

8. Backup and Recovery Operations​

# Create immediate backup
vantage license-servers backup create rlm-production 
  --description "Pre-upgrade backup" 
  --include-logs

# Schedule maintenance backup
vantage license-servers backup schedule rlm-production 
  --cron "0 1 * * 0" 
  --retention 90 
  --compress

# Restore from backup
vantage license-servers backup restore rlm-production 
  --backup-id "backup-20240315-0100" 
  --confirm

9. Maintenance and Updates​

# Update server configuration
vantage license-servers update rlm-production 
  --config rlm-config-v2.yaml 
  --rolling-update

# Upgrade RLM version
vantage license-servers upgrade rlm-production 
  --version "15.1" 
  --maintenance-window "2024-03-20T02:00:00Z"

# Restart server components
vantage license-servers restart rlm-production 
  --component rlm-server 
  --graceful

# Apply security patches
vantage license-servers patch rlm-production 
  --security-only 
  --auto-approve

10. Integration Examples​

CI/CD Pipeline Integration​

# .github/workflows/deploy-rlm.yml
name: Deploy RLM Server
on:
  push:
    branches: [main]
    paths: ['rlm-config.yaml']

jobs:
  deploy:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v2
      
      - name: Install Vantage CLI
        run: pip install vantage-cli
        
      - name: Authenticate
        run: vantage auth token-login
        env:
          VANTAGE_API_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.VANTAGE_API_TOKEN }}
          
      - name: Validate Configuration
        run: vantage license-servers validate --config rlm-config.yaml
        
      - name: Deploy or Update
        run: |
          if vantage license-servers exists rlm-production; then
            vantage license-servers update rlm-production --config rlm-config.yaml
          else
            vantage license-servers create --config rlm-config.yaml
          fi

Infrastructure as Code​

# terraform-style deployment
cat > deploy-rlm.sh << 'EOF'
#!/bin/bash
set -e

# Plan deployment
vantage license-servers plan --config rlm-config.yaml

# Apply configuration
vantage license-servers apply --config rlm-config.yaml --auto-approve

# Verify deployment
vantage license-servers test rlm-production --health-check

echo "RLM server deployment completed successfully"
EOF

chmod +x deploy-rlm.sh
./deploy-rlm.sh

11. Destroy Server​

# Graceful shutdown and destroy
vantage license-servers destroy rlm-production 
  --backup-before-destroy 
  --notify-users 
  --grace-period 1h 
  --confirm

# Emergency destroy
vantage license-servers destroy rlm-production 
  --force 
  --no-backup 
  --confirm

Server Management​

Dashboard Overview​

The Vantage dashboard provides:

  • Server Status: Real-time RLM server status and health
  • License Utilization: Active licenses and usage patterns
  • Web Interface Access: Secure access to RLM web interface
  • Performance Metrics: Server performance and response times

RLM Web Interface Access​

Access the RLM web interface through Vantage:

  1. Navigate to Licenses → Servers
  2. Select your RLM server
  3. Click Access Web Interface
  4. Use Single Sign-On (SSO) for secure access
  5. Manage licenses through familiar RLM interface

Configuration Management​

Update server configuration:

  1. Access server settings in Vantage dashboard
  2. Modify RLM-specific settings
  3. Upload new license files
  4. Apply changes with automatic server management

Client Configuration​

Environment Setup​

Configure your compute resources:

# Set RLM license server environment variable
export RLM_LICENSE=@vantage-rlm-server.compute:5053

# For specific vendor applications
export VENDOR_LICENSE_FILE=@vantage-rlm-server.compute:5053

Application Integration​

Most RLM-compatible applications support:

  • Environment Variables: RLM_LICENSE and vendor-specific variables
  • License File Paths: Direct path to license file or server
  • Application Configuration: Built-in license server configuration

Verification​

Test license server connectivity:

# Check RLM server status (if rlmutil is available)
rlmutil rlmstat -a -c @vantage-rlm-server.compute:5053

# Test application license checkout
your_application --license-check

Monitoring and Analytics​

Real-time Monitoring​

Vantage provides comprehensive RLM monitoring:

  • License Usage: Current license checkouts and availability
  • User Activity: Detailed user and application tracking
  • Server Performance: RLM server response times and health
  • Web Interface Metrics: Web interface usage and performance

Advanced Analytics​

Access detailed RLM analytics:

  • Usage Trends: Historical license usage patterns
  • Peak Analysis: Identify peak demand periods and optimize allocation
  • User Analytics: Track usage by user, department, or project
  • Cost Analysis: License cost allocation and optimization recommendations

Custom Dashboards​

Create custom dashboards for:

  • Executive reporting on license utilization
  • Department-specific usage tracking
  • Application-specific license monitoring
  • Cost center allocation and chargeback

Security and Compliance​

Built-in Security Features​

Vantage-managed RLM servers include:

  • Encrypted Communication: All traffic encrypted with TLS 1.3
  • Access Controls: IP-based and identity-based restrictions
  • Secure Web Interface: HTTPS-only access with modern authentication
  • Audit Logging: Comprehensive audit trails for compliance

Identity Integration​

  • Single Sign-On: Integration with enterprise identity providers
  • Role-Based Access: Granular permissions for different user types
  • Multi-Factor Authentication: Enhanced security for administrative access
  • API Security: Secure API access for automation and integration

Advanced Features​

High Availability​

Vantage automatically provides:

  • Redundant Servers: Multiple RLM instances for failover
  • Load Balancing: Automatic distribution of license requests
  • Failover Management: Seamless failover with no license interruption
  • Geographic Distribution: Optional multi-region deployment

Integration Capabilities​

  • API Access: REST APIs for license management automation
  • Webhook Integration: Real-time notifications for license events
  • Third-party Integration: Connect with ITSM, monitoring, and analytics tools
  • Custom Reporting: Flexible reporting with data export capabilities

Cost Management​

Pricing Structure​

Vantage-managed RLM servers are billed based on:

  • Server Instance: Base cost for managed RLM infrastructure
  • License Monitoring: Cost per monitored license feature
  • Web Interface Usage: Included in base cost
  • Advanced Features: Premium features and enterprise capabilities

Cost Optimization​

  • Usage Analytics: Identify underutilized licenses
  • Right-sizing: Optimize server capacity based on usage
  • Regional Deployment: Reduce latency and data transfer costs
  • Reserved Capacity: Discounts for committed usage periods

Migration and Integration​

Migration from Self-Managed​

Migrate existing RLM servers to Vantage-managed:

  1. Assessment: Vantage team reviews current RLM setup
  2. Planning: Create migration plan with minimal disruption
  3. Parallel Setup: Deploy Vantage-managed server alongside existing
  4. Testing: Comprehensive testing with subset of users
  5. Migration: Coordinated cutover with rollback capability

Integration Support​

  • Professional Services: Expert assistance with migration and setup
  • Training: User training on new Vantage-managed capabilities
  • Documentation: Comprehensive guides and best practices
  • Ongoing Support: Continued support post-migration

Troubleshooting and Support​

Self-Service Tools​

  • Real-time Diagnostics: Built-in diagnostic tools and health checks
  • Log Analysis: Automated log analysis with issue identification
  • Performance Monitoring: Proactive identification of performance issues
  • Knowledge Base: Extensive documentation and troubleshooting guides

Support Options​

  • 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock technical support for critical issues
  • Expert Assistance: Access to RLM and licensing experts
  • Proactive Monitoring: Vantage team monitors and resolves issues proactively
  • Escalation Procedures: Clear escalation paths for complex issues

Best Practices​

Initial Setup​

  • Planning: Carefully plan license allocation and user access
  • Testing: Thoroughly test with representative workloads
  • Documentation: Document configuration and access procedures
  • Training: Provide user training on license access and policies

Ongoing Management​

  • Regular Reviews: Monthly reviews of usage and performance
  • Policy Updates: Keep license usage policies current
  • User Communication: Communicate changes and best practices
  • Optimization: Continuously optimize based on usage patterns

Enterprise Features​

Advanced Licensing​

  • License Pooling: Intelligent pooling across multiple applications
  • Dynamic Allocation: Automatic license reallocation based on demand
  • Usage Prediction: ML-powered usage forecasting and planning
  • Cost Attribution: Detailed cost allocation and chargeback

Compliance and Governance​

  • Policy Enforcement: Automated enforcement of license usage policies
  • Compliance Reporting: Regular compliance reports and audits
  • Risk Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of license risks
  • Vendor Management: Assistance with vendor negotiations and renewals

Next Steps​

After setting up your Vantage-managed RLM server:

  1. User Training: Train users on accessing licenses through new system
  2. Monitoring Setup: Configure custom monitoring and alerting
  3. Integration: Integrate with existing workflows and tools
  4. Optimization: Analyze usage patterns and optimize allocation

For enterprise features and advanced configurations, contact your Vantage representative or explore additional documentation in the Vantage dashboard.