FactoryTalk
Services Platform
FactoryTalk Activation
FactoryTalk Activation is part of the FactoryTalk Services Platform and provides components that allow FactoryTalk-enabled products to use activation files generated by Rockwell Automation and distributed over the Internet. This removes the previous dependency on the availability of physical media to activate a Rockwell Automation software application. As a result, software activations can now be delivered, distributed, stored, backed-up or moved electronically.
Features
Factory Talk Activation is a software-based activation management system. The new activation system consists of a secure, digitally signed, text file that contains the software catalog number, serial number, product code, and unique computer identification number (called a Host ID). This text file is simply copied to the computer specified by the Host ID and the appropriate software application can now be used.
FactoryTalk Activation uses the Host ID to "lock" the software application to a specific computer. This Host ID can be from the computer that is actually using the software application (node-locked) or from a computer that will serve activations to other client computers running FactoryTalk-enabled products (concurrent):
- Node-locked Activation
The activation file locks the software to a single computer for software applications that are intended to be used exclusively on that computer.
- Concurrent Activation
The activation file locks the software to a computer running the FactoryTalk Activation Server application. This enables the sharing of activations by multiple users on different computers over a network.
- Borrowing — an activation can be retrieved from the activation server and held by the borrower for up to 90 days to allow software to operate when disconnected from the network.
- Floating — an activation can be retrieved from the activation server and automatically be returned to the server when the application is closed to allow operation while actively connected to a network.
Benefits
- Software-based Activations
FactoryTalk activations are delivered electronically; therefore, there are no more lost disks, making it easier to track activation quantities and eliminate unused license purchases.
- Improve Software Asset Utilization
Multiple users can connect over a network to a centralized computer running the FactoryTalk Activation Server to allow a single software activation to be shared easily among many users.
- Simplified Software Management
Provides the software administrator or librarian with a single tool to view all activations on a specific computer or on the activation server.
- Grace Period Support — NEW!
In the event that an activation is not available for any reason, FactoryTalk-enabled products will run for 7 days allowing the user to resolve the activation problem (new with the CPR9 release).
- Out-of-box Operation — All FactoryTalk-enabled products will operate immediately after installation giving the user up to 7 days to complete the activation process .
- Fast Disaster Recovery — No more dependence on locating the 3.5-inch floppy to recover from a computer failure, all software operates immediately after install.
- Web based Rehost
Provides the ability to change the computer Host ID to allow the license to be moved to a different computer (called Rehosting) using the Rockwell Software Activation website.
- End-user Options
Configuration of permissions of many different types, including setting group and user access permissions, limiting the number of licenses that can be borrowed and the borrow time limit .
- Electronic Delivery of Software — COMING SOON!
Since activations no longer rely on a physical media, new software purchases can be delivered over the web for immediate use.
Migration
Rockwell Software products no longer ship with a physical media for activation, however, the media based activations already in use continue to be supported by products to allow customer to migrate to the new FactoryTalk Activation system when it is most convenient. Customers who plan to upgrade an existing software application to the latest version should be proactive in transitioning from the media based activations to FactoryTalk Activations during the software upgrade process. Products will continue to operate using the disk based activations in the short term, however, this ability will be disabled at some point in the near future.
The descriptions and accompanying chart can help you understand the options available for migrating to FactoryTalk Activations [Chart PDF].
- Self Service Migration
This allows you to migrate a single serial number to FactoryTalk Activation on your own. If you have a valid Tech Connect contract, you can update your software through "Get Support Now," to a software version that supports FactoryTalk Activation. Prior to downloading the software update, you will be given the option to create a FactoryTalk Activation Request. If you choose to "Activate FactoryTalk," the request is processed by Rockwell Automation and an activation certificate is emailed back to you. Read more.
If you have a large quantity of serial numbers to migrate, you can email Technical Support with a list of serial numbers to be migrated. A template is available from your Rockwell Automation distributor or Rockwell Automation Account Manager to simply this task. Your Rockwell Automation distributor or Rockwell Automation Account Manager can also help you to create a list of software that you own and currently in support.
- Tech Support Migration
This allows you to migrate your serial numbers by calling Technical Support directly and providing them with a list of serial numbers to be migrated. In order to migrate your serial number to FactoryTalk Activation, your must have a valid Tech Connect contract, the serial numbers to be migrated need to be in support and the software versions must support FactoryTalk Activation.
- StepForward Program
The StepForward Program needs to be used any time the migration to FactoryTalk Activation requires a different catalog number from the one that is currently being used with the media based activation.
Example: The product to be migrated is Logix5000 Full Edition and the desired outcome of the migration is Logix5000 Full Concurrent Edition. The original catalog number, if migrated by Tech Support would result in delivery of a node-loacked activation. In the case, the concurrent version of Logix 5000 Full Edition is a different catalog number so the StepForward Program must be used. This requires the assistance of a Rockwell Automation distributor or Rockwell Automation Account Manager.