User-Hosted License Servers
User-hosted license servers allow organizations to maintain complete control over their license infrastructure while integrating seamlessly with Vantage Compute clusters. This approach is ideal for organizations with existing license management investments, specific compliance requirements, or the need for custom configurations.
Overview
With user-hosted license servers, you deploy and manage your license infrastructure on your own hardware or cloud resources while connecting it to Vantage Compute clusters. This model provides maximum flexibility and control while leveraging Vantage's compute and orchestration capabilities.
Key Benefits
Complete Control
- Full administrative access to license server configuration
- Custom security policies and access controls
- Integration with existing IT infrastructure
- Compliance with internal governance requirements
Existing Investment Protection
- Leverage current license server infrastructure
- Preserve existing license management procedures
- Maintain established vendor relationships
- Utilize existing monitoring and backup systems
Flexible Deployment Options
- On-premises data center deployment
- Private cloud or hybrid cloud configurations
- Multi-site license server distribution
- Custom network and security configurations
Cost Predictability
- No additional hosting fees from Vantage
- Utilize existing infrastructure capacity
- Predictable operational costs
- Direct vendor support relationships
Supported License Server Technologies
Vantage integrates with all major license server technologies in user-hosted configurations:
- FlexLM/FLEXnet: Industry-standard floating license management
- RLM: Reprise License Manager with modern web interface
- LMX: X-Formation License Manager X for cloud-ready applications
- LS-DYNA: LSTC license servers for explicit dynamics simulation
- DSLS: Dassault Systèmes license servers for CAD/CAE applications
- OLicense: Enterprise license management with advanced analytics
Network Architecture
Connectivity Requirements
User-hosted license servers require reliable network connectivity to Vantage compute clusters:
- Direct Network Access: License servers must be accessible from Vantage clusters
- Firewall Configuration: Appropriate ports opened for license communication
- VPN or Private Networks: Secure connectivity options available
- Load Balancing: Support for high-availability license server configurations
Security Considerations
- Network Isolation: Separate license traffic from other network services
- Access Controls: IP allowlisting and authentication mechanisms
- Encryption: TLS/SSL encryption for license communications
- Monitoring: Network traffic and access logging
Integration with Vantage
Cluster Configuration
Vantage clusters can be configured to use user-hosted license servers:
- License Server Registration: Add license server endpoints to cluster configuration
- Authentication Setup: Configure access credentials and certificates
- Network Routing: Establish connectivity between clusters and license servers
- Health Monitoring: Monitor license server availability and performance
Job Orchestration`
Vantage automatically handles license management for user jobs:
- License Checkout: Automatic license acquisition before job execution
- Queue Management: Intelligent queuing based on license availability
- License Release: Automatic license return upon job completion
- Error Handling: Graceful handling of license acquisition failures
Deployment Models
Single Site Deployment
Centralized license server deployment for organizations with concentrated compute resources:
- Single license server or high-availability cluster
- Simplified management and monitoring
- Lower network complexity
- Suitable for most organizations
Multi-Site Deployment
Distributed license server deployment for geographically distributed organizations:
- Regional license server placement
- Reduced network latency
- Improved fault tolerance
- Support for disaster recovery scenarios
Hybrid Deployment
Combination of user-hosted and Vantage-hosted license servers:
- Critical licenses hosted internally
- Development/testing licenses hosted by Vantage
- Flexible cost optimization
- Risk mitigation strategies
Setup and Configuration
1. Infrastructure Assessment
Evaluate your current license server infrastructure:
- Existing license server inventory
- Network topology and connectivity
- Security policies and requirements
- High availability and disaster recovery needs
2. Network Planning
Design network architecture for Vantage integration:
- Identify required network paths
- Plan firewall rule modifications
- Design VPN or private network connections
- Consider load balancing and redundancy
3. License Server Preparation
Prepare license servers for Vantage integration:
- Update license server software if needed
- Configure network access and security
- Set up monitoring and alerting
- Establish backup and recovery procedures
4. Vantage Configuration
Configure Vantage clusters to use your license servers:
- Register license server endpoints
- Configure authentication and certificates
- Test connectivity and license checkout
- Set up monitoring and alerting
5. Testing and Validation
Thoroughly test the integration:
- Verify license checkout and release
- Test high availability scenarios
- Validate monitoring and alerting
- Performance testing under load
Monitoring and Management
License Usage Monitoring
Track license utilization across your infrastructure:
- Real-time license usage dashboards
- Historical usage analytics
- Peak usage identification
- Capacity planning insights
Performance Monitoring
Monitor license server performance and availability:
- Server health and responsiveness
- Network connectivity status
- License checkout/release times
- Error rates and failure analysis
Integration Monitoring
Monitor the integration between Vantage and your license servers:
- Cluster-to-license-server connectivity
- Job queue status based on license availability
- License acquisition success rates
- Error logging and alerting
Security Best Practices
Access Control
- Implement strong authentication mechanisms
- Use IP allowlisting for license server access
- Regular review and update of access permissions
- Audit trails for all license operations
Network Security
- Use VPN or private networks for license traffic
- Implement network segmentation
- Regular security assessments
- Encryption for all license communications
License File Security
- Secure storage of license files
- Regular backup of license configurations
- Access controls for license file modifications
- Version control for license file changes
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Connectivity Problems
- Network firewall blocking license traffic
- DNS resolution issues
- VPN or private network connectivity problems
- Load balancer configuration issues
License Checkout Failures
- License server capacity exceeded
- Network timeouts or connectivity issues
- Authentication or authorization failures
- License file corruption or expiration
Performance Issues
- Network latency affecting license operations
- License server resource constraints
- High concurrent license demand
- Inefficient license allocation policies
Migration Strategies
From Standalone to Vantage-Integrated
Steps to integrate existing license servers with Vantage:
- Assessment: Evaluate current license server setup
- Planning: Design integration architecture
- Testing: Pilot integration with subset of applications
- Rollout: Gradual migration of workloads to Vantage
- Optimization: Fine-tune performance and monitoring
License Server Upgrades
Best practices for upgrading license servers while maintaining Vantage integration:
- Plan maintenance windows to minimize disruption
- Test upgrades in non-production environments
- Coordinate with Vantage cluster maintenance
- Verify integration after upgrades
Support and Resources
Documentation and Guides
- Detailed setup guides for each license server type
- Network configuration examples
- Troubleshooting documentation
- Best practices and recommendations
Technical Support
- Vantage support for integration issues
- Vendor support for license server problems
- Community forums and knowledge base
- Professional services for complex deployments
Monitoring Tools
- Integration with existing monitoring systems
- Custom dashboards for license usage
- Alerting and notification systems
- Reporting and analytics tools
Next Steps
To implement user-hosted license server integration:
- Assess Current Infrastructure: Evaluate your existing license servers
- Plan Integration: Design network and security architecture
- Contact Vantage Support: Discuss integration requirements
- Pilot Testing: Start with non-critical applications
- Full Deployment: Roll out to production workloads
For detailed implementation guidance, see our License Management How-To Guides or contact Vantage support for technical assistance.