Smart Control Managed vs. Standalone Licensing for Smart Series Clients

Advantages for Smart Control Managed Licensing:

1. The only license key that is needed is for Smart Control.
   No client license keys to enter at install or track/document.
2. Allows for a generic image to be installed on numerous computers.
3. Hardware changes on the client computer will not affect the license status.
4. Client attempts to renew license and update permissions on each reboot.
5. The license lease is transferable allowing for client computers to be easily replaced or temporary taken off line in the event of hardware failure or maintenance.
6. Allows the client to be installed using the answer file install.

Drawbacks to Smart Control Managed Licensing:

1. Clients must connect to their licensing Smart Control every 30 days for license lease renewal. Interruptions in the network communication can cause licensing issues.
2. Licensing with Smart Control may require some network, firewall and port configuration
3. Clients that leave the local network, like laptops, may go suspended if they cannot reach the licensing Smart Control.
4. The Smart Control must be powered on at all times.
5. If the Smart Control license status changes, the clients will also change.

Advantages for Standalone Client Licensing:

1. Once the client has been licensed at install, the license is permanent and will stay active regardless of Internet/Smart Control connectivity. This is best for laptop programs.
2. Clients can still be controlled by the Smart Control even if they have a standalone license.

Drawbacks for Standalone Client Licensing:

1. License keys must be entered into each client install manually. Does not allow for answer file install and makes imaging more difficult. In versions after 2.1.8 the key can be assigned from the Smart Control.
2. Licenses must be tracked/documented. In versions after 2.1.8 the standalone key will be a part of the client record and can be exported to CSV file.
3. Multiple hardware changes on the client may cause the license to be invalid.
4. License can only be reused if Smart Shield is fully and properly uninstalled, otherwise the license maybe invalid.
5. Updates to license permissions will be propagated monthly by calling to our licensing server. This requires active Internet connection. If the client is unable to contact the server the license remains in its current state.