Frequently Asked Questions About Product Authorization
What is Product Authorization?
Product authorization is a secure, simple process to ensure that customers have received a valid copy of Pervasive software. Authorization occurs at the end of installation process, verifying that the copy of software is legitimate, correctly licensed and on the appropriate hardware and software platform.
What Pervasive software requires authorization?
Trial downloads, e-commerce and shrinkwrapped (software purchased direct from Pervasive or from one of our Distributor, ISV, or Reseller partners) versions of Pervasive PSQL v10 require authorization. All versions of Pervasive PSQL v11, including those licensed by OEM partners, will require product authorization.
How do I authorize my software?
There are two simple ways to authorizee Pervasive PSQL:
Online - First, make sure your system is connected to the Internet. Then a) Start the Pervasive Software License Administrator in Pervasive PSQL, or b) paste or type the key into the Key field. Then, click the button to authorize.
Remote - Use remote authorization when the machine where the database engine is installed has no Internet connection, but it is networked to another machine that has an Internet connection. Install Pervasive PSQL client on the machine that has the Internet connection. Use the License Administrator on the client machine to connect to the server and authorize Pervasive PSQL.
What happens during product authorization?
Step1: Key Generation and Delivery - A unique key is generated during a request for a trial download or an e-commerce order submission. When PSQL is purchased from a Pervasive partner, the key is included with the media.
Step 2: Key Registration with Pervasive Server - A copy of the key is stored in a Pervasive server to be used as part of the validation and authorization process.
Step 3: Key Entry - Launch the Pervasive Software License Administrator utility and input the key number. Once the key is input, the software sends a licensing request to the Pervasive server. The request includes information about the product, version and user count details of the software, the operating system and hardware platform where the software has been installed.
Step 4: License Validation and Software Authorization - The Pervasive server receives the system and key information, validates the key/software/hardware combination and authorizes the software.
What happens to the information collected during authorization?
Information collected during authorization is stored on the Pervasive server and used to authenticate valid software installations.
What information is sent to the Pervasive server during Product Authorization and Validation?
The information sent includes but is not limited to:
1. Information about Pervasive keys installed on the computer
2. Information about the computer:
MAC Address
IP Address
Date/Time
CPU
- Hard Drive/Volume Assignment
- Mother Board
- BIOS
- OS
- Memory
- Machine Name
Why is information about the computer where PSQL is installed being collected?
In order to make sure that keys are used on only one computer at a time, each key is associated with a single machine (which is identified by a set of computer specific attributes such as MAC address, CPU, BIOS, etc.). The key/machine association is stored in the Pervasive licensing server. Until the key is deauthorized (removing the key association with a specific computer), any attempt to use that key on another computer will fail.
Can I change or upgrade my computer?
Yes, but always deauthorize they key before making changes. When the PSQL engine starts, it checks to confirm that the machine configuration associated with that installation of Pervasive PSQL is unchanged.
What machine configuration changes may result in my Pervasive PSQL license being disabled?
Before making any of the following configuration changes to your computer, deauthorize the Pervasive PSQL key on the computer.
- MAC Address
- CPU
- Hard Drive/Volume Assignment
- Mother Board
- BIOS
- OS (service pack upgrades are ok)
- Memory
- Machine Name
What happens if I don't authorize my software?
Pervasive PSQL (starting with v10) includes a 30 day trial license for 20 users (Server) or 5 users (Workgroup). If you do not authorize the software, the install will use the temporary license. After the temporary license expires, you will not be able to use the software until it is authorized.
If I uninstall and reinstall the software on a separate machine, do I need to reauthorize the software?
Yes. The software will need to be deauthorized and uninstalled from the first machine, then reinstalled and reauthorized on the second machine.
Can I transfer my PSQL license to another server?
As long as you abide by the terms of the End User License Agreement, the PSQL license may be moved to another server by deauthorizing the license from the original server, uninstalling the software, installing the software on a new server and authorizing it. The Pervasive PSQL license agreement prohibits transferrinig of PSQL licenses to different sites. Any PSQL license transfer to a different site or division requires approval from Pervasive. Please contact your Pervasive sales representative to ensure you are in compliance.
If you have additional questions, please call or email Pervasive.
Toll Free: 800.287.4383
Direct: 512.231.6000