MathWorks License Manager Changes

Starting in September 2013, network license files will use a new format. In keeping with industry security standards, the new license file format includes additional attributes. To run R2013b or later products, you will need to upgrade to the latest license manager and use the latest license file. If you don’t update the license manager, you won’t be able to use the current or subsequent releases because the license manager will not be able to read the new license file format, and may fail to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Where can I get the latest license manager files?

    You can download the latest license manager files from the License Manager page.

  2. How does the new license file format impact using older releases?

    You will be able to serve licenses for older releases when using the new license file with the latest license manager. As long as you are using the latest license manager, you will also be able to combine an old out-of-maintenance license file with the new license file. Additionally, you don’t have to change other license manager activities (my option files, report logs, startup procedures).

  3. What if I’m not ready to upgrade to the latest license manager?

    If you do not upgrade to the latest license manager, you cannot use R2013b or later products with your current license server configuration. However, your existing configuration will continue to work. If for any reason you need an updated license file (you purchase additional products or are transferring products), you will need to use the older license file format. You can get an updated R2013a license file in the older license format from the License Center.

  4. Will I need to upgrade the license manager at every release?

    As a best practice, you should always run the latest version of license manager of the release you are eligible to use. This ensures that you benefit from the extensive testing that MathWorks does with each release.

  5. Is there someone I can contact with more questions about this change?

    For more information, contact Customer Service.

Other Questions for

Changes to Network License Management by Release

R2011b
R2011a
R2010b

R2011b

With R2011b, MathWorks introduces an update to the license manager.

  1. How is the R2011b license manager different from earlier versions?

    The R2011b license manager automatically verifies the integrity of the license file for network license options before starting the server.

  2. Do I need to do anything different when starting the license manager?

    No. You do not need to change your process.

  3. Why is MathWorks making this change?

    This change to the license manager helps reduce non-compliance issues related to network license management.

  4. What happens if the license manager detects an issue with the license file?

    The license manager displays an error message that describes the issue, which needs to be resolved in order to start the server.

  5. Does the license manager notify or send any data back to MathWorks?

    No.

  6. Does this change introduce backward compatibility issues with the current license file format?

    No. The change preserves backwards compatibility.

  7. Is there someone I can contact with more questions about the updated license manager?

    Contact Customer Service with any questions about this change.

R2011a

With R2011a, MathWorks introduces a change to lmstart, the license manager startup script for MAC and LINUX. The script automatically verifies the integrity of a license file for Concurrent and Network Named User license options before starting the server.

  1. What is the lmstart script?

    MathWorks supplies the lmstart license manager startup script for use by customers to start the license manager daemons.

  2. How is the R2011a license manager different from earlier versions?

    The R2011a lmstart script automatically verifies the integrity of the license file for Concurrent and Network Named User license options before starting the server.

  3. Do I need to do anything different when starting the license manager?

    No. You do not need to change your process.

  4. Why is MathWorks making this change?

    The enhanced lmstart script helps reduce non-compliance issues related to network license management.

  5. What happens if the script detects an issue with the license file?

    The script displays an error message that describes the issue, which needs to be resolved in order to start the license manager.

  6. Does the lmstart script notify or send any data back to MathWorks?

    No.

  7. Does this change introduce backward compatibility issues with the current license file format?

    No. The change preserves backwards compatibility.

  8. Is there someone I can contact with questions about the enhanced license manager startup script?

    Contact Customer Service with any questions about this change.

R2010b

With R2010b, MathWorks introduces a new format for license files for Concurrent and Network Named User license options.

  1. How are R2010b network license files different from earlier versions?

    MATLAB Release 2010b introduces a new format for network license files. The new format includes separate sections within the license file for each release.

  2. Why is MathWorks changing the format of network license files?

    The new license file format will improve the license management experience for customers. It also helps reduce non-compliance issues related to network license management.

  3. What are the benefits of the new license file format?

    License administrators now have access to all product keys available on a license, without having to request custom license files from MathWorks. The new format also reduces confusion about updating network license files and exposure to non-compliance.

  4. Are the new license files backwards compatible?

    Yes, the new license file preserves backwards compatibility.

  5. What changes are required to an existing license manager?

    Network Concurrent:
    No changes to the license manager are required to support the new file format. Existing options files may need to be modified to account for additional license keys.

    Network Named User:
    Some licenses will require modification of the existing options file in order to assign users to additional seats or products in the license file.

  6. Is there someone I can contact with questions about the new network license file format?

    Contact Customer Service with any questions about the new file format.