FAQ

This FAQ (frequently asked questions) answers the most frequent software key questions we get from customers who have SGI® software. If you have suggestions for this FAQ, please e-mail them to us.

Table of Contents

I. General Questions

II. Key-O-Matic™ Questions



I. General Questions

1. How do I get SGI software keys?
We recommend that you request software keys using Key-O-Matic, because it provides the fastest, most efficient service.

If you encounter any problems using Key-O-Matic, you should request your keys from your local SGI Customer Support Center.


2. What is the difference between node-locked and floating keys?
There are two basic key types: node-locked and floating. These key types define whether one or more users may use the specific software application at a time.

  • Node-locked keys
    A software key that can authorize use of an application or feature running on a single specific machine, as opposed to on a network. SGI issues only uncounted node-locked keys. Uncounted means the application or feature can be used in an unlimited fashion on that specific machine and does not require a license server.
  • Floating keys
    A key that can authorize usage of an application or feature by one of a group of users on a network up to the limit (count) specified within the key. A license server is required to manage floating keys
For more details regarding floating keys, please refer to the FLEXlm End Users Guide (PDF 1MB).


3. How do I determine the lmhostid of a system?
The unique identifier of a system that is used by FLEXlm varies by operating system.
  • AIX®: It is displayed by the command - /usr/sbin/uname -m (then remove the last two digits and use the remaining last eight digits; e.g. 0007c29ac400 = 07c29a4c)
  • IRIX: The system's unique identifier is displayed by the command lmhostid
  • Linux® (SGI® Altix® / Silicon Graphics Prism®): When available, it is displayed by the command - lmhostid. It can also be displayed by the command cat /proc/sgi_sn/licenseID (remove the 0x prefix from the returned value. e.g. 0x201e8634 = 201e8634).
  • Linux (all other 32-bit and 64-bit systems): It is displayed by the command /sbin/ifconfig eth0 (remove the colons from Hwaddr; e.g. 00:90:27:51:39:9F = 00902751399F)
  • Solaris™: It is displayed by the command /usr/bin/hostid
  • Mac OS® X: It is displayed by the command - /sbin/ifconfig en0 | grep ether (remove the colons from the data; example: 00:03:93:cc:3a:e4 = 000393cc3ae4)
  • Windows®: SGI products use the default FLEXlm host identifier for Windows systems (the Ethernet address), a value that can be obtained by using the command-line program lmutil.exe; this program is available as a download from Macrovision.
  example:

C:\> lmutil lmhostid -n 00b0d0125a16



4. How do I determine the licenseID of a system?
The unique identifier that is used by LK to identify SGI Altix, Silicon Graphics Prism and SGI Altix XE systems running ProPack 5 and above.
For the SGI Altix XE -
 

lk_hostid command

Enter the following command lk_hostid - Choose the first value from the output. Example:

#lk_hostid
0800690c9e9f 690c9e9f socket=1 core=1 processor=2

Enter the first value (0800690c9e9f) into the box in Key-O-Matic labeled "licenseID/lmhostid" Note: The licenseID that we use for the SGI Altix XE is the 12 character serial number value from the lk_hostid command. Using the SN as the licenseID is unique to the SGI Altix XE


For the SGI Altix/Silicon Graphics Prism -
 

licenseID

Enter the following command: cat /proc/sgi_sn/licenseID. Remove the "0x" prefix from the returned value. Example:

# cat /proc/sgi_sn/licenseID 0x2012d687

Remove "0x" equals licenseID of 2012d687

 

lk_hostid command

Enter the following command: lk_hostid - Choose the second value from the output. Example:

# lk_hostid
R1234567 2012d687 socket=1 core=1 processor=2

Enter the second value (2012d687) into the box in Key-O-Matic labeled "licenseID/lmhostid"



5. Does SGI allow the rehosting of software keys from one OS platform to another?
No, while an application may be compatible with more than one OS platform, at this time, software keys are specific to the OS.

II. Key-O-Matic Questions

1. What is Key-O-Matic?
Key-O-Matic is SGI's Internet-based key fulfillment system. It allows anyone with an Internet connection to request keys for their SGI software products 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

2. How do I automatically install keys on my IRIX system (Web and e-mail)?
One of the most important features provided by Key-O-Matic is its ability to work seamlessly with LicenseManager to automatically install keys that are requested and returned by both the Web and e-mail. This is accomplished by clicking on the AUTO_INSTALL button on the Web key results page.


3. The key I installed doesn't work. What do I do?
Visit our Installation Guide page for installation and troubleshooting references. If a solution to your problem is not found in those references, please contact your local Customer Support Center