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H3C ONEStor Distributed Storage
Licensing Guide
Document version: 6W102-20220630
Copyright © 2022 New H3C Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written consent of New H3C Technologies Co., Ltd.
Except for the trademarks of New H3C Technologies Co., Ltd., any trademarks that may be mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice.
Contents
Obtaining information about license-based features
Restrictions and guidelines: Local licensing management
Management operation restrictions and guidelines
Registering and installing a license
License registration and installation flowchart
Obtaining device information from the device
Requesting an activation file on H3C License Management Platform
Installing an activation file on the device
Restrictions and guidelines: Remote licensing
Management operation restrictions and guidelines
Registering and installing a license
License registration and installation flowchart
Obtaining the DID file of the license server
Requesting an activation file on H3C License Management Platform
Installing activation files and distributing licenses on the license server
Configuring a license client to obtain licenses from the license server
Obtaining an Uninstall file for a license on the source license server
Obtaining the host information file of the destination license server
Requesting license transfer on H3C License Management Platform
Installing an activation file on the destination license server
License uninstallation workflow
Obtaining an Uninstall file for a license
Requesting license uninstallation on H3C License Management Platform
Q: What is a license key and what is an activation file?
Q: Can I modify the system time of the device after a license is installed?
Q: Might the DID file for the device change? What impact does a DID file change have?
Q: What hardware changes on the license server will cause license invalidation?
Q: How do I deal with license invalidation caused by hardware changes on the license server?
Q: Can I uninstall an expired license?
Q: Can I install an uninstalled activation file on the device again?
Q: How do I retrieve a lost license key?
Q: How do I retrieve an activation file?
Q: How do I transfer licenses when a node fails or when license transfer is required?
Overview
H3C offers licensing options for you to deploy features and expand resource capacity on an as needed basis. To use license-based features, you purchase licenses from H3C and install the licenses.
Obtaining information about license-based features
To obtain information about license-based features, their licensing status, and license availability, log in to the storage system, and then select Licensing > Licenses from the left navigation pane. Then, you can purchase and install licenses as needed.
Figure 1 displays an information sample on the licenses page:
Figure 1 Information sample from the licenses page
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NOTE: The software interface is used for illustration only and might change with software version over time. |
License types
H3C offers preinstalled, trial (or temporary), and formal licenses. Support for preinstalled and trial licenses varies by product. For more information about the license options available for a product, see the license matrixes document for that product.
Preinstalled licenses
Preinstalled licenses are built into a system and are available for use on initial startup of the system. Users do not need to activate them.
A preinstalled license is typically time limited and cannot be uninstalled or transferred.
When a preinstalled license expires, the license-based feature becomes unavailable. To continue to use the feature, you must purchase and install a formal license for it.
Trial licenses
Trial licenses are provided for you to verify the functionality of premium features so you can make an educated purchase decision.
A trial license is time limited and cannot be uninstalled or transferred.
When a trial license expires, the license-based feature becomes unavailable. To continue to use the feature, you must purchase and install a formal license for it.
To obtain a trial license for a feature:
1. Contact your H3C sales representative or technical support.
2. Register the trial license key with H3C License Management Platform to obtain an activation file.
3. Install the activation file to activate the feature.
Formal licenses
To gain most from a license-based feature, purchase a formal license for it.
Formal licenses are available with different validity periods. For more information, see the license matrixes document for the product. If a formal license is installed through local licensing, it cannot be uninstalled or transferred.
To install a formal license for a feature:
1. Purchase a software license certificate through an official channel.
2. Access H3C License Management Platform, and then enter the license key in the certificate and the required device information to obtain an activation file.
3. Install the activation file in the target system.
Concepts
The following information describes the basic concepts that you might encounter when you register, install, and manage licenses.
H3C License Management Platform
H3C License Management Platform provides product licensing services for H3C customers. You can access this system to obtain license activation file, transfer licenses, or remove the device and license binding for an uninstalled license.
H3C License Management Platform is accessible at http://www.h3c.com/en/License.
Software license certificate
A software license certificate allows users to use a license-based feature. It contains license key, license capacity, and other information.
License key
A license key uniquely identifies a license.
· To obtain a formal license key, purchase a software license certificate. The authorization serial number in the software license certificate is the license key.
· To obtain a trial license key, contact your H3C sales representative or H3C technical support. Support for trial licenses depends on the device model. For more information, contact your H3C sales representative or H3C technical support.
Device ID (DID) and DID file
A DID is a string of characters that uniquely identifies a hardware device.
A DID file stores the DID and other information.
You can use the DID and the DID file to request a license on H3C License Management Platform. The device has either the DID or the DID file by default.
Activation key and activation file
An activation key (AK) or activation file (AF) binds a license to a system.
To use a license-based feature on a system, you must perform the following tasks:
1. Use the license key and DID information to obtain an activation key or file from H3C License Management Platform.
2. Install the activation key or file on the system.
Uninstall key and Uninstall file
When you uninstall an activation file, the system generates an Uninstall key (UK) or Uninstall file (UF), respectively. This information proves that the license and system binding has been removed. You must provide this information when you transfer an unexpired license from one system to another.
Licensing methods
As shown in Table 1, the system supports local licensing and remote licensing.
· With local licensing, you install and manage licenses on the device.
· With remote licensing, you install and manage licenses on a license server, which allocates licenses to its license clients (nodes on the network).
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NOTE: Only ultimate (unlimited) licenses support remote licensing. For more information about ultimate (unlimited) licenses, contact your H3C sales representative or technical support. |
|
Licensing method |
License installed on |
License used on |
Applicable scenarios |
|
Local licensing |
Local device |
Local device |
You must activate licenses device by device.
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Remote licensing |
H3C license server |
License clients |
You activate licenses on the license server, which then automatically assigns licenses to its clients either proactively or on request.
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Technical support
To obtain assistance, contact H3C by email or phone or access documents at the H3C website.
· Email:
¡ China: [email protected]
¡ Hongkong, China: [email protected]
¡ Other countries or regions: [email protected]
· Technical support hotline:
To find contacts for your local area, access the H3C global contacts page at https://www.h3c.com/en/Support/Online_Help/Service_Hotlines/
· Website: http://www.h3c.com
Local licensing
About local licensing
Local licensing requires license installation on the device. To install a license on a device:
1. Obtain the license key and the DID information of the device.
2. Access H3C License Management Platform to request an activation file based on the license key and the device's DID information.
3. Install the activation file on the device to activate the license.
The activation file for a license is device locked. You cannot install the activation file for one device to activate the license on another device.
Figure 2 Local licensing procedure
Restrictions and guidelines: Local licensing management
Management operation restrictions and guidelines
· Purchase licenses from H3C authorized channels.
· To identify the validity periods of the licenses that have been installed on the device, log in to the storage system, and then select Licensing > Licenses from the left navigation pane. If the license for a feature is time limited, install a new license for the feature before the old license expires.
Figure 3 Information sample from the licenses page
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NOTE: The software interface is used for illustration only and might change with software version over time. |
· Licenses are typically device locked. To ensure a successful licensing, use the following licensing guidelines:
a. When you purchase a license certificate, verify the following items:
- Make sure the license is compatible with the target device.
- Make sure its licensed functionality and capacity meet your requirements.
b. When you obtain an activation file, make sure the provided license key and hardware information are correct.
c. Install the activation file on the correct target device.
· Make sure no one else is performing license management tasks while you are managing licenses on the device.
· Unless otherwise stated, all character strings entered on H3C License Management Platform are case sensitive. As a best practice to ensure a successful licensing, copy and paste license keys, Uninstall keys, and values for other critical fields as long as possible.
File operation restrictions
When you operate DID files, activation files, or Uninstall files, do not modify the file name or edit the file content to avoid licensing error.
Registering and installing a license
License registration and installation flowchart
The procedures for registering and installing formal licenses and trial licenses are the same.
Figure 4 shows the local licensing procedure for devices.
Figure 4 Local licensing procedure
Licensing requirements
You must purchase, register, and install a license on a per-device basis.
If you have a stateful failover deployment, make sure your licenses support stateful failover deployment and register each license by using the hardware information of both devices in the deployment.
The following is the procedure to license a feature for a stateful failover deployment:
1. Make sure the licenses you have can be installed for a stateful failover deployment.
2. Obtain the device information of the two devices in the deployment.
3. Use the license key and the device information of the two devices to request an activation file.
4. Install the activation file on the active device. Then, the feature is activated on both devices.
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NOTE: A failover deployment contains one master node and one backup node for node redundancy. In a stateful failover deployment, the backup node instantly backs up data from the master node so the master can take over immediately after the master node fails. Stateful failover is also called management high availability (HA) or hot backup. The master and backup nodes in a failover pair are also called primary and secondary nodes, respectively. |
Obtaining a license key
After you obtain a license key, back up it and keep the backup license key in a safe place for future use.
Obtaining a formal license key
To use a license-based feature, purchase a software license certificate for it. The authorization serial number in the software license certificate is the license key.
Obtaining a trial license key
If you need a trial license key to verify the functionality of a feature before you making a purchase decision, contact your H3C sales representative or H3C Support.
Obtaining device information from the device
Device information is required for license registration on H3C License Management Platform.
To obtain required information for license registration, perform the following task:
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IMPORTANT: · When ONEStor licensing operations are not available on the login page, you can log in to the system first, and then perform licensing operations on the licensing page. The procedures to obtain device information on the login page and on the licensing page are similar. · This section takes the login page as an example. The software interfaces in this section are used for illustration only and might change with software version over time. |
1. Access the storage system login page as the administrator.
Figure 5 Storage system login page
2. Click Licensing, enter user information, and then click OK.
Figure 6 Entering user information
3. Click Download, and download the device information file to the local disk.
Figure 7 Downloading device information file
Requesting an activation file on H3C License Management Platform
About this task
On H3C License Management Platform, you can bind one or multiple license keys to one device or perform the binding operation for multiple devices in one request.
Adding license keys
1. Open the browser on the PC, and then access H3C License Management Platform at http://www.h3c.com/en/License.
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NOTE: For successful license activation, use one of the following browsers: · Chrome 62 or later. · IE 10 or later. · Firefox 60 or later. |
2. Click License Activation Requests to access the page for license activation.
Figure 8 License activation page
3. To add license keys one by one:
a. (Optional.) Copy and paste a license key in the empty License Key box that opens, and then click Search & Add.
b. (Optional.) Click the 
icon, upload the QR code image for the license
key,
and then click Search & Add. The
platform will recognize the license key automatically.
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NOTE: Make sure the uploaded image is complete and clear for the platform to correctly recognize it. |
c. Repeat step a or step b until all license keys are added.
Figure 9 Uploading QR code image for license key
4. To add license keys in bulk.
a. Click Import & Add.
Figure 10 Uploading license key import template
b. In the dialog box that opens, click the Download Excel License Key Import Template link.
c. Enter the desired license keys at the template file and save the file.
Figure 11 License key import template
d. Click Select to upload the template file that contains the license keys.
5. Select license keys to be activated, and then click Next.
Figure 12 Successful adding of license keys
Binding license keys to devices
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IMPORTANT: The device information varies by device model. Enter the device information as prompted on H3C License Management Platform. For information about obtaining device information, see "Obtaining device information from the device." |
To bind license keys to devices:
1. Check whether you have added all license keys to be activated.
¡ To add license keys:
i Click Add.
ii Copy and paste the license key in the empty
license key box, or click the 
icon and then upload the QR code image for the license key.
iii Click the + button.
iv Repeat the steps above to add multiple license keys.
¡ To remove license keys:
i Select a license key, and then click Remove.
ii Repeat the step above to remove multiple license keys.
Figure 13 Binding license keys to devices
2. Enter information about the device to be bound to each license key:
¡ To bind a license key to a device:
i Click the empty Device ID box in the license key
entry or click the 
icon next to the box.
ii In the dialog box that opens, enter the required device information, and then click OK.
Figure 14 Entering device information
¡ To bind multiple license keys to the same device:
i Select the license keys, and then click Bulk Bind.
ii In the dialog box that opens, enter the required device information, and then click OK.
¡ To add license key and device bindings in bulk:
i Select the target license keys, and then click Export to export the selected license keys to an excel file.
ii Open the excel file, and then enter device information for each license key.
iii Click Import to import the Excel file.
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IMPORTANT: · The Custom device ID parameter is a string that identifies a device. You can configure this parameter as needed for better device management. As a best practice, use a combination of device information (for example, device model, IP address, device location) as the custom device ID. This ID takes effect only during the current license activation. If you do not specify a device ID, the device will generate a device ID automatically. · During the initial license key activation for a device, select Bind New License Keys and upload the device information file. · For license expansion, select Bind New License Keys and upload the device information file, or select Bind New & Existing License Keys and upload the most recent activation file. The platform can read the device information in the most recent activation file and obtain the license keys activated for the device. · A device does not support importing device information if it requires a DID file for license key binding. The exported Excel file contains information to help you identify such a device. For these devices, use other methods to bind their license keys. |
3. Review the bindings carefully.
Each license key will be locked to the device to which each of them is bound.
4. Make sure you understand the impact of the binding operation, and then select the option that explicitly states so.
Figure 15 Successful license key-device binding
5. Click Next.
Specifying customer information
Enter customer information as described in Table 2 and then click Next.
Figure 16 Entering customer information
|
Parameter |
Description |
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End Customer Company/Organization |
(Required.) Company or organization that uses the licenses. |
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Your Company/Organization |
(Required.) Company or organization with which the license applicant works. |
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Contact Person |
(Required.) Name of the contact person. |
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Phone Number |
(Required.) Contact phone number. |
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Email Address |
(Required.) Contact email address.
H3C License Management Platform will send the generated activation files to this email address. Make sure the email address is correct and available. |
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Zip/Postal Code |
(Optional.) Zip code or postal code for the contact address. |
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Address |
(Optional.) Contact address. |
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Project Name |
(Optional.) Project name. |
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Verification Code |
(Required.) The verification code is case insensitive. |
Reviewing information and activating the licenses
1. Review the license key and device information and then select I accept all terms of H3C Legal Statement.
2. Click Confirm & Activate.
Figure 17 Verifying binding information and activating licenses
3. Double-check the license key and device information, and then click OK.
Figure 18 Second confirming
The platform automatically generates an activation file for each binding and sends them to the specified email address.
¡ If you bind a license key to a device, the platform will generate an activation file for the device.
¡ If you bind multiple license keys to a device, the platform will generate a zipped activation file for the device.
Figure 19 Successful license key activation
4. Perform one of the following tasks to obtain activation files:
¡ Click Get Activation Info to download an activation file to the local disk.
¡ Click Bulk Get Activation Info to obtain all activation files and the activation information table generated for this request.
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NOTE: As a best practice, obtain the activation files in bulk, because the activation information table helps you to record and manage activation files. |
Figure 20 Obtaining activation files in bulk
Figure 21 Activation information table
¡ Access the email box at the specified address to obtain the activation files.
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IMPORTANT: · Typically, H3C License Management Platform generates one activation file for one license key. · If you request multiple licenses for one device, H3C License Management Platform might generate only one activation file for multiple license keys. The number of activation files does not affect the availability of the licenses. After you install all generated activation files on the license server, you can use all of the licenses. · It takes some time for H3C License Management Platform to generate multiple activation files. In this scenario, you cannot download the activation files from the webpage. To obtain the activation files, you must access the email box at the specified address. · If you do not receive an activation file for a license key from the platform and cannot use the license key to re-apply for license activation, contact H3C Support. |
Installing an activation file on the device
About this task
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CAUTION: Back up an activation file before you install it. If the activation file is inadvertently deleted or becomes unavailable for some other reason, you can use the backup activation file to restore the license. |
To use a license-based feature, install an activation file for the feature on the device as follows:
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IMPORTANT: · When ONEStor licensing operations are not available on the login page, you can log in to the system first, and then perform licensing operations on the licensing page. The procedures to obtain device information on the login page and on the licensing page are similar. · This section takes the login page as an example. The software interfaces in this section are used for illustration only and might change with software version over time. |
1. Access the storage system login page as the administrator.
Figure 22 Storage system login page
2. Click Licensing, and then select Activation.
Figure 23 License activation
3. Click Browse, select the activation file obtained from H3C License Management Platform, and then click Upload. The system will prompts you after the license is activated.
Viewing license information
After installing a license, you can view information about the license as follows:
· Log in to the storage system.
· Select Licensing > Licenses.
Figure 24 License information
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NOTE: The software interface is used for illustration only and might change with software version over time. |
Remote licensing
About remote licensing
Remote licensing is based on the client-server architecture. Multiple license clients share the license of the license server. This licensing method simplifies license installation and management. With remote licensing, you install licenses, uninstall licenses, or transfer licenses for all license clients from the license server.
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NOTE: Only ultimate (unlimited) licenses support remote licensing. For more information about ultimate (unlimited) licenses, contact your H3C sales representative or technical support. |
To set up remote licensing, use the following procedure:
1. Install the H3C license server on a host. License server is short for H3C license server in the following description.
2. Install the licenses required by license clients on the license server.
3. Enable a license client on each managed device and configure the parameters for communicating with the license server. The parameters include the IP address and port number of the license server and the username and password for accessing the license server.
The managed devices can then connect to the license server to obtain licenses as license clients.
Figure 25 Remote licensing
Restrictions and guidelines: Remote licensing
Management operation restrictions and guidelines
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IMPORTANT: Remote licensing uses activation files and Uninstall files for license activation and uninstallation. It does not support activation keys or Uninstall keys. |
· Purchase licenses from H3C authorized channels.
· To identify the validity periods of the licenses that have been installed on a license client, log in to the license server. If the license for a feature is time limited, install a new license for the feature before the old license expires.
· Licenses are device locked. When you apply for and install a license, perform the following tasks to ensure licensing accuracy:
a. Identify the target license client and license server to be licensed.
b. Identify the feature that requires a license.
c. Verify that the purchased license seat meets your requirements.
d. Verify that the license key is bound to the target license server.
e. Verify that the activation file is installed on the target license server.
· Make sure no one else is performing license management tasks while you are managing licenses on the license server.
· Unless otherwise stated, all character strings entered on H3C License Management Platform are case sensitive. As a best practice to ensure a successful licensing, copy and paste instead of manually entering license keys, Uninstall keys, and values for other critical fields as long as possible.
File operation restrictions
To ensure a successful licensing, do not edit the name of a DID file, activation file, or Uninstall file, or edit the file content.
Registering and installing a license
License registration and installation flowchart
The procedures for registering and installing formal licenses and trial licenses are the same, as shown in Figure 26.
Figure 26 Remote licensing procedure
Preparation
Installing the H3C license server
To obtain the up-to-date installation guide for the H3C license server, access the H3C website at https://www.h3c.com.
Adding a client to the license server
1. Log in to the license server and open the client configuration page.
2. Click Add Client.
3. Configure the client parameters such as the username and password for accessing the client, and then click OK.
Configuring routing parameters
Configure network and routing parameters on the license server and each license client to ensure that they can reach each other successfully.
Obtaining license keys
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CAUTION: Back up your license keys, and keep the backup license keys in a safe place for future use. |
Obtaining a formal license key
To use a license-based feature, purchase a software license certificate for it. The authorization serial number in the software license certificate is the license key.
Obtaining a trial license key
If you need a trial license key to verify the functionality of a feature before you making a purchase decision, contact your H3C sales representative or H3C Support.
Obtaining the DID file of the license server
1. Log in to the license server and open the activation file management page.
2. Click Export DID.
The DID file of the license server will be saved to the local disk.
Requesting an activation file on H3C License Management Platform
About this task
You can request activation codes and activation files only on H3C License Management Platform. On this platform, you can bind one or multiple license keys to one license server or perform the binding operation for multiple servers in one request.
Adding license keys
1. Open the browser on the PC, and then access H3C License Management Platform at http://www.h3c.com/en/License.
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NOTE: For successful license activation, use one of the following browsers: · Chrome 62 or later. · IE 10 or later. · Firefox 60 or later. |
2. Click License Activation Requests to access the page for license activation.
Figure 27 License activation page
3. To add license keys one by one:
a. (Optional.) Copy and paste a license key in the empty License Key box that opens, and then click Search & Add.
b. (Optional.) Click
the 
icon, upload the QR code image for the license key, and then click Search
& Add. The
platform will recognize the license key automatically.
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NOTE: Make sure the uploaded image is complete and clear for the platform to correctly recognize it. |
Figure 28 Uploading QR code image for license key
c. Repeat this step a or step b until all license keys are added.
4. To add license keys in bulk.
a. Click Import & Add.
Figure 29 Uploading license key import template
b. In the dialog box that opens, click the Download Excel License Key Import Template link.
c. Enter the desired license keys at the template file and save the file.
Figure 30 License key import template
d. Click Select to upload the template file that contains the license keys.
5. Select the license keys to be activated, and then click Next.
Figure 31 Successful adding of license keys
Binding license keys to a license server
To bind license keys to license servers:
1. Check whether you have added all license keys to be activated.
¡ To add license keys:
i Click Add.
ii Copy and paste the license key in the empty
license key box, or click the 
icon and then upload the QR code image for the license key.
iii Click the + button.
iv Repeat the steps above to add multiple license keys.
¡ To remove license keys:
i Select a license key, and then click Remove.
ii Repeat the step above to remove multiple license keys.
Figure 32 Binding license keys to devices
2. Enter information about the license server to be bound to each license key:
¡ To bind a license key to a device:
i Click the empty Device ID box in the license key
entry or click the 
icon next to the box.
ii In the dialog box that opens, enter the required device information, and then click OK.
Figure 33 Entering device information
¡ To bind multiple license keys to the same license server:
i Select the license keys, and then click Bulk Bind to Device.
ii In the dialog box that opens, enter the required device information, and then click OK.
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NOTE: · The device information varies by device model. Enter the device information as prompted on H3C License Management Platform. For information about obtaining a DID file, see "Obtaining the DID file of the license server." · The Custom device ID parameter is a string that uniquely identifies a device. You can configure this parameter as needed for better device management. As a best practice, use a combination of device information (for example, device model, IP address, device location) as the custom device ID. This ID takes effect only during the current license activation. If you do not specify a device ID, the device will generate a device ID automatically. · The Import and Export buttons are not available for bulk binding. |
3. Review the bindings carefully.
Each license key will be locked to the device to which each of them is bound.
4. Make sure you understand the impact of the binding operation, and then select the option that explicitly states so.
Figure 34 Successful license key-device binding
5. Click Next.
Specifying customer information
Configure the parameters in Table 3, and then click Next.
Figure 35 Entering customer information
|
Parameter |
Remarks |
|
End Customer Company/Organization |
(Required.) Company or organization that uses the licenses. |
|
Your Company/Organization |
(Required.) Company or organization with which the license applicant works. |
|
Contact Person |
(Required.) Name of the contact person. |
|
Phone Number |
(Required.) Contact phone number. |
|
Email Address |
(Required.) Contact email address.
H3C License Management Platform will send the generated activation files to this email address. Make sure the email address is correct and available. |
|
Zip/Postal Code |
(Optional.) Zip code or postal code for the contact address. |
|
Address |
(Optional.) Contact address. |
|
Project Name |
(Optional.) Project name. |
|
Verification Code |
(Required.) The verification code is case insensitive. |
Reviewing information and activating the licenses
1. Review the license key and device information, and then select I accept all terms of H3C Legal Statement.
2. Click Confirm & Activate.
Figure 36 Verifying binding information and activating licenses
3. Double-check the license and device information, and then click OK.
Figure 37 Second confirming
The platform automatically generates an activation file for each binding and sends them to the specified email address.
¡ If you bind a license key to a device, the platform will generate an activation file for the device.
¡ If you bind multiple license keys to a device, the platform will generate a zipped activation file for the device.
Figure 38 Successful license key activation
4. Perform one of the following tasks to obtain activation files:
¡ Click Get Activation Info to download an activation file to the local disk.
¡ Click Bulk Get Activation Info to obtain all activation files and the activation information table generated for this request.
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NOTE: As a best practice, obtain the activation files in bulk, because the activation information table helps you to record and manage activation files. |
Figure 39 Obtaining activation files in bulk
Figure 40 Activation information table
¡ Access the email box at the specified address to obtain the activation files.
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NOTE: · When you activate multiple license keys in bulk for a license server, H3C License Management Platform might generate one or multiple activation files. The number of activation files does not affect the availability of the licenses. After you install all generated activation files on the license server, you can use all of the licenses. · It takes some time for H3C License Management Platform to generate multiple activation files. In this scenario, you cannot download the activation files from the webpage. To obtain the activation files, you must access the email box at the specified address. · If you do not receive an activation file for a license key from the platform and you cannot use the license key to re-apply for license activation, contact H3C Support. |
Installing activation files and distributing licenses on the license server
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CAUTION: Back up an activation file before you install it. If the activation file is inadvertently deleted or becomes unavailable for some other reason, you can use the backup activation file to restore the license. |
You can install activation files and distribute licenses on the license server. For more information, see the product document of H3C License Server.
Configuring a license client to obtain licenses from the license server
To configure a license client to obtain licenses from the license server, use the following procedure:
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NOTE: The software interface figures in this section are used for illustration only and might change with software version over time. |
1. Access the storage system login page as the administrator.
Figure 41 Storage system login page
2. Click Licensing, and then select License Server.
Figure 42 License server configuration
3. Configure the following license server parameters:
¡ License Server IP: Enter the IP address of the license server.
¡ License Server Port: Enter the port number of the license server. The default port number is 5555.
¡ Client Name: Enter the name of the license client configured on the license server. For more information, see "Adding a client to the license server."
¡ Client Password: Enter the password of the username.
4. Click Connect. The license client will automatically establish a TCP connection to the license server and obtain license information from the server.
Viewing license information
To view information about all licenses installed on the license server, access the Web interface of the license server.
To view information about licenses assigned to a client, log in to the storage system, and then select Licensing > Licenses.
Figure 43 License information
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NOTE: The software interface is used for illustration only and might change with software version over time. |
Transferring licenses
About this task
Perform this task to transfer a license that has not expired from one license server to another. You perform this task on the license server and H3C License Management Platform.
License transfer workflow
To transfer licenses from one license server to another, use the workflow in Figure 44.
Figure 44 License transfer workflow
Restrictions and guidelines
You can transfer only formal licenses that have not expired.
Obtaining an Uninstall file for a license on the source license server
For more information about how to obtain an Uninstall file for a license on the source license server, see the product document of H3C License Server.
Obtaining the host information file of the destination license server
1. Log in to the destination license server.
2. On the activation file management page, click Export DID.
Requesting license transfer on H3C License Management Platform
1. Open the browser on the PC, and then log in to H3C License Management Platform at http://www.h3c.com/en/License.
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NOTE: For successful license activation, use one of the following browsers: · Chrome 62 or later. · IE 10 or later. · Firefox 60 or later. |
2. Click the Device License Transfer Requests tab.
If you have not logged in to the system, the Log In page opens. Enter your account information and log in to the system as instructed. This prevents unauthorized license transfer, protects asset security, and ensures traceability of transfer operations.
Upon a successful login, you are redirected to the Device License Transfer Requests page.
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NOTE: Finish license transfer within 4 hours after you access the license transfer request page. If you fail to do that, the system will request you to log in again and automatically return to the first application step. |
Figure 45 License transfer page
3. Select Uninstall File, and then click Upload to upload the Uninstall file created on the source license server. If the source license server has multiple Uninstall files, you can select and upload them in bulk.
Click Search & Add.
Select entries to uninstall, and then click Next.
Figure 46 Successful upload of Uninstall files
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IMPORTANT: · H3C license servers support Uninstall files, but not Uninstall keys. · To upload multiple Uninstall files in bulk, click Click to Upload. |
4. Bind uninstalled entries to the destination license server, and then click Next. For more information, see "Binding license keys to a license server."
5. Enter customer information, and then click Next. For more information, see "Specifying customer information."
6. Review the information and activate the license to obtain a new activation file for the destination device. For more information, see "Reviewing information and activating the licenses."
Installing an activation file on the destination license server
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CAUTION: Before you install an activation file, back up the file and keep the backup activation file in a safe place. If the activation file is deleted or the license becomes unavailable because of device failure, you can use the backup activation file to restore the license. |
For more information about how to install an activation file on the destination license server, see the product document of H3C License Server.
Uninstalling a license
About this task
A license is bound to a license server once you obtain an activation file based on the license key and hardware information of the license server on H3C License Management Platform. You can bind a license only to one license server.
To transfer or restore the license before it expires, you must first uninstall its activation file from the license server, and then request license uninstallation on H3C License Management Platform.
After license uninstallation is approved, the license key is available for use again. You can use it to obtain a new activation file on H3C License Management Platform to transfer the license to another license server or restore the license on the original license server.
License uninstallation workflow
Figure 47 Uninstallation workflow
Restrictions and guidelines
You can uninstall only formal licenses that have not expired.
Obtaining an Uninstall file for a license
1. Log in to the license server.
2. Select the activation file for a license, click Uninstall in the Actions column for that file, and then click Export Uninstall File.
Requesting license uninstallation on H3C License Management Platform
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CAUTION: If you cannot obtain an Uninstall file because of license server failure, contact H3C Support to unbind the device from the license. |
To request license uninstallation on H3C License Management Platform:
1. Log in to H3C License Management Platform at http://www.h3c.com/en/License.
2. Click the Device License Uninstall Requests tab.
If you have not logged in to the system, the Log In page opens. Enter your account information and log in to the system as instructed. This prevents unauthorized license uninstallation, protects asset security, and ensures traceability of the uninstallation operations.
Upon a successful login, you are redirected to the Device License Uninstall Requests page.
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NOTE: Finish license uninstallation within 4 hours after you access the license uninstall request page. If you fail to do that, the system will request you to log in again and automatically return to the first application step. |
3. Select Uninstall File, click Upload to upload the Uninstall file created on the source license server, and then click Search & Add. Select entries to uninstall, and then click Next.
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IMPORTANT: · H3C license servers support Uninstall files, but not Uninstall keys. · To upload multiple Uninstall files in bulk, click Click to Upload. |
4. Enter customer information, and then click Next. For more information, see "Specifying customer information."
5. Review the uninstallation information, and then select the option that explicitly states your acceptance of all terms in the legal statement.
6. Click Confirm & Uninstall.
7. Review license and device information, and then click OK. The binding between the device and license key will be removed.
Appendix A FAQ
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NOTE: For more license FAQs, see H3C ONEStor Distributed Storage License FAQ. |
License activation
Q: What is a license key and what is an activation file?
A: A license key uniquely identifies a license. An activation file uniquely binds a license key to a device. To use a license-based feature on a device, you must install the activation file for that license on the device.
· To obtain a license key, purchase a software license certificate from an H3C approved sales channel.
· To obtain an activation file, access H3C License Management Platform at http://www.h3c.com/en/License. Then, request an activation file based on the license key and hardware information of the target device.
Q: Can I modify the system time of the device after a license is installed?
A: For a permanent license or a days-restricted license, modifying the system time does not affect the license validity period.
Q: Might the DID file for the device change? What impact does a DID file change have?
A: The DID file does not change automatically.
The DID file change does not affect the activated licenses on the device. However, you will be unable to install the activation files obtained by using the old DID on the device. To resolve the issue, contact H3C Support.
To obtain a new activation file after the DID file changes, you must export the new DID file from the device.
Q: Do I need to purchase and install new licenses for licensed features on the device after a software upgrade?
A: No, you do not need to do this. Unexpired licenses will continue to take effect after the device software upgrades.
Q: Will activated license activation files be lost after the device reboots or the device software upgrades?
A: No, they will not.
Q: What hardware changes on the license server will cause license invalidation?
A: The following hardware changes on the license server might result in DID file change that causes license invalidation:
· NIC changes, including NIC damage, disabling a NIC, starting a new NIC, and replacing a NIC.
· CPU replacement.
Q: How do I handle the licenses on the license server when I replace hardware components or change hardware settings of the server?
A: Licenses on a license server might become invalid if hardware information changes because of actions such as NIC replacement, NIC disabling, or CPU replacement. To avoid this situation, use the following procedure when you need to change hardware or hardware settings on a license server:
1. Uninstall the licenses from the license server to obtain Uninstall files.
2. Change hardware on the license server.
¡ Change a NIC, including disabling a NIC, starting a new NIC, and replacing a NIC.
¡ Replace a CPU.
3. Use one of the following methods to obtain new activation files for the licenses:
¡ License transfer—On H3C License Management Platform, use the Uninstall files to transfer the licenses to the license server again and obtain new activation files.
¡ License uninstallation and reactivation—On H3C License Management Platform, use the Uninstall files to request license uninstallation, which unbinds the device and license keys. Then, use the license keys and device information to obtain new activation files.
4. Install the new activation files on the license server to restore the licenses.
Q: How do I deal with license invalidation caused by hardware changes on the license server?
A: Contact H3C Support.
License uninstallation
Q: Can I uninstall an expired license?
A: No, you cannot. You can delete expired licenses.
Q: Can I install an uninstalled activation file on the device again?
A: No. An activation file will become invalid after you uninstall it. To restore the license, use one of the following methods:
· License transfer—On H3C License Management Platform, use the Uninstall key or Uninstall file to transfer the license to the device again and obtain a new activation file. Then, install the new activation file on the device.
· License uninstallation and reactivation—Perform the following operations:
a. On H3C License Management Platform, use the Uninstall key or Uninstall file to request license uninstallation, which unbinds the device and the license key.
b. Use the license key and device information to request a new activation file.
c. Install the new activation file on the device.
Support for license transfer and uninstallation depends on the device model. For more information, see the license matrixes document for that product.
License retrieval
Q: How do I retrieve a lost license key?
A: If you lose the license key before obtaining an activation file, contact H3C Support to retrieve the license key based on the license purchase contract.
If you lose the license key after obtaining an activation file, contact H3C Support and provide the activation file or the device information.
Q: How do I retrieve an activation file?
A: You will be unable to use a licensed feature if its activation file is lost or inadvertently deleted. To retrieve an activation file, use one of the following methods:
· Use the backup activation file.
· Find the activation file from the email box of the applicant.
· Contact H3C Support and provide the license key or device information to retrieve the activation file.
Q: How do I transfer licenses when a node fails or when license transfer is required?
A: Contact H3C Support for help.
