OpenVMS License Management Utility Manual

This HP OpenVMS manual details the License Management Facility (LMF), a crucial tool for managing software licenses on OpenVMS operating systems. It enables system managers to register, load, and manage software product licenses, which is essential for authorizing the use of licensed applications.

The core process involves:

• Obtaining a Product Authorization Key (PAK): Contains information needed to register a license.
• Registering the license: Adding PAK information to the License Database.
• Loading the license: Transferring license data from the database into system memory for activation.

The manual highlights key differences in licensing practices across platforms:

• OpenVMS Alpha and VAX systems: Licenses are primarily based on "license units" and system ratings determined by a License Unit Requirement Table (LURT). It describes various license types, including Availability, Activity, Personal Use, User, and Group licenses, and how they can be combined or shared.
• OpenVMS I64 systems: Features a new model centered on "Operating Environments" (like Foundation, Enterprise, and Mission Critical OEs) and "Per Processor Licenses" (PPLs), which are based on the number of active CPUs. It also introduces hardware and soft compliance reporting mechanisms.

The document provides extensive guidance on using the LICENSE utility commands (e.g., REGISTER, LOAD, MODIFY, DELETE) and the VMSLICENSE.COM procedure for managing license databases, restricting product use, controlling node and user access in cluster environments, and troubleshooting. It also includes specific licensing information for OpenVMS Galaxy systems (Alpha-only).

This manual is intended for system managers responsible for software license administration on OpenVMS systems.