| ProLiant software licenses and keys |
| Q1. |
What is a software license? |
| A1. |
A license is a legal right to use the software pursuant to specific terms and conditions and use restrictions. All ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software requires a license, whether the software is sold alone, with a server, or is downloaded off the hp.com web pages.
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| Q2. |
What exactly is licensed for each ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control product? |
| A2. |
License terms and conditions and use restrictions are detailed in the ProLiant Essentials End User License Agreement (EULA). Customers and users are required to agree to the terms of the EULA in order to use the software. The customer's agreement is accomplished in several possible ways: by signing a licensing agreement document, by breaking the seal on a software product package, by using the software for the first time, or by clicking on a license acceptance button when the software is installed or downloaded from the hp.com web site, just to name a few of the ways. If the EULA is not agreed to by the customer, then the software must not be used and should be disposed of as indicated in the EULA.
In general, ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software is licensed for use on a single hardware configuration, such as a server or a network port. Some software may be licensed for use on virtual machines, such as those created by VMware® software. Finally, there are software products that are licensed per action taken, such as completion of a single migration from a physical server to a virtual machine. Typically, the software is supported for use only on HP ProLiant servers, but some products may be supported with HP Integrity servers as well as other third party hardware. Each product documents what hardware systems and operating environments are supported within the product's Quickspecs and web pages, which can be accessed at: http://www.hp.com/servers/proliantessentials.
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| Q3. |
What version of the software does my license apply to? |
| A3. |
In July 2007, HP announced new ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software and new terms and conditions regarding upgrades and updates will apply for all the products. Click here for specific questions and answers regarding the change to new terms. In general, most licenses now apply to the current shipping and installed version of the software product and customer entitlement to acquire and use a future version of the product will be via separate purchase or as part of an up-to-date services contract that includes Software Updates.
Until the new software is announced, licenses purchased pertain to the currently shipping and previous versions of ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software products.
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| Q4. |
How long will my licenses last? |
| A4. |
Most licenses are valid for the life of the hardware configuration or virtual machine on which they were activated. Be advised that virtual machines can have a highly dynamic nature, depending upon your operating environment and practices. Give careful consideration to this before activating ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software for virtual machines.
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| Q5. |
Can I move my licenses from one target to another? |
| A5. |
For ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software that require activation keys, the licenses are not transferable. In this case, it is a violation of the EULA to do so. If you retire a licensed hardware configuration and replace it with another, you will need to purchase a new licensed copy of the software for your new hardware. ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software are listed below or visit the ProLiant Essentials website.
ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack products, such as Insight Manger and SmartStart, and ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack Extras, such as the SmartStart Scripting Toolkit, may be freely moved from one server to another within the customer’s environment unless otherwise restricted by the EULA. Any transfer to another customer requires HP’s prior written approval.
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| Q6. |
What ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software requires an activation key? |
| A6. |
The following software products require an activation key for use:
- Accelerated iSCSI Pack (all versions)
- Insight Control Environment (all versions)
- Insight Control Linux Edition
- Integrated Lights-Out Advanced Pack
- Integrated Lights-Out Select Pack
- Lights-Out 100i Advanced Pack
- Lights-Out 100i Select Pack
- Rapid Deployment Pack
- RDMA Pack (all versions)
- Server Migration Pack - Universal Edition
- Virtual Connect Enterprise Manager
Virtual Machine Management Pack
The following software products DO NOT require an activation key:
- SmartStart
- SmartStart Scripting Toolkit
- System Management Homepage (Insight Agents)
- ProLiant Support Packs
- HP Systems Insight Manager
- Insight Integration Modules
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| Q7. |
What is an activation key? |
| A7. |
An activation key is a 25-digit (or 20-digit for RDP) character string that is typically entered once during the installation of the software. Activation keys are obtained by redeeming the license entitlements you receive from HP. Entitlements contain the information needed to perform a redemption and several redemption alternatives are available, such as web, phone, e-mail and fax.
ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack software does not require any key for its use.
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| Q8. |
What do I do with the activation key? |
| A8. |
Several of the ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control products either prompt you for the activation key when the product is installed on the target hardware configuration used against that configuration or else they allow you to input the key at your leisure on that hardware when the product is actually used. These include:
- Accelerated iSCSI Pack
- Integrated Lights-Out Advanced Pack
- Integrated Lights-Out Select Pack
- Lights-Out 100i Advanced Pack
- Lights-Out 100i Select Pack
- RDMA Pack
- Server Migration Pack - Universal Edition
For Rapid Deployment Pack, you complete the entitlement redemption process and in return, a license key file is e-mailed to you which you load into the software to activate the licenses for use. Refer to http://www.hp.com/servers/rdp/howtobuy for more information.
The remaining ProLiant Essentials products have their activation keys entered into HP Systems Insight Manager. HP SIM is then used to assign an activated license to a server for which you want to assign and use the ProLiant Essentials product.
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| Q9. |
Can I reuse my key to install/run multiple copies of the same product? |
| A9. |
Only if the activation key indicates it is good for more than a single license. In this case, you may reuse it to install and run a number of copies up to the limit specified for the key. It is a violation of the EULA to go beyond the key’s limit.
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| Q10. |
What happens if I lose an activation key? |
| A10. |
Your entitlement certificate, which you used to redeem for your license activation key, contains several support options you may elect. Misplaced activation keys or lost entitlement certificates can often be addressed through the self-help facilities on the HP License Delivery Center web site (http://www.webware.hp.com). Otherwise, contact the License Delivery Center via one of the support contact options listed on your entitlement. |
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| Q11. |
If I previously bought a Flexible Quantity Pack for a particular number of licenses, can I use the same key to cover additional licenses that I may purchase later? |
| A11. |
No. Keys are encoded for a set quantity of licenses which cannot be increased. |
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| Q12. |
Can I pay for licenses as I need them, instead of having to pay for them all up front? |
| A12. |
The Activation Key Program is designed to provide customers this option. |
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| Q13. |
What if I have a licensing question that is not covered in this FAQ? |
| A13. |
Please send your question to proliantessentials@hp.com. |
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| Packaging and ordering |
| Q1. |
What packages are available for ProLiant Essentials? |
| A1. |
ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack ships with ProLiant servers.
Download ProLiant Essentials Foundation Pack Extras
Ordering options are generally available in the following packages (depending upon your region and point of sale choice):
- Single License Packs
- Multi-License Packs (in fixed license quantities, like 10, 25, etc.)
- Flexible Quantity Packs
- Bundles with hardware
- " Electronic License-to-Use (E-LTU)
- Media-only Packs
Note that not all of these options are available for all of the products. |
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| Q2. |
What will I receive for each type of software package I might purchase? |
| A2. |
For the flexible quantity pack, part number, you order the number of licenses you want. A single software entitlement is then shipped to you, which is redeemed for a single key that can be used to activate the number of copies of the product software equal to the quantity of licenses you ordered. For example, if an order is placed for a quantity of 11 RDP flexible quantity packs, a single entitlement is shipped providing a license that enables the use of RDP on 11 target servers.
The single license pack provides one entitlement which is redeemed for a single key for installation and use of one copy of the software. Each single license kit that you order will result in a unique key good for one use of the software product.
Bundles may be selectively offered by HP and made available for purchase in one or more regions. Generally bundles are a way to obtain multiple ProLiant Essentials products at a discount when purchased in conjunction with specified hardware offerings. Regional HP Sales centers will have information on bundles that are available.
Electronic License-to-Use offerings work exactly like flexible quantity packs, except there is no physical delivery involved. Instead, at the time you place your order with HP, you provide an e-mail address to which an electronic receipt is sent by HP. Within the receipt is a link where you can access your license entitlement and complete the redemption process for your license activation keys. Licenses delivered electronically have the same terms of use and functionality as well as any included HP services as those delivered physically.
Media kits contain production copies of installation media and/or documentation but no licenses or activation keys. Some customer desire copies of HP-produced media kits for policy reasons or because downloading images and creating their own media is not cost effective.
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| Q3. |
How do I decide which package option to choose? |
| A3. |
Each customer's buying needs are unique. Click on the following link for help selecting which option is best for your needs: http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantessentials/valuepack/howtobuy.html.
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| Q4. |
What discounts are available for volume purchases? |
| A4. |
In general, HP offers ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software at list price. Some of the multi-packs may be priced such that they yield a per-unit discount relative to the price of a single pack. There are no standard discounts built into the list pricing for progressively larger volume purchases. Regional and reseller practices may vary.
Bundles may include a built-in discount on the ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software when purchased with a specific hardware configuration. Contact your sales representative for details.
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| Q5. |
How do I order software licenses from my reseller or HP partners? |
| A5. |
Resellers and HP partners should have access to ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control software product part numbers. For flexible quantity packs, due to the fact the quantity received might not appear to match the quantity ordered within the applicable order administration systems, HP recommends resellers order flexible quantity packs to be "drop-shipped" to the customer.
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| Activation key program |
| Q1. |
What is the Activation Key Program? |
| A1. |
Customers who plan to purchase ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control products periodically over a 1 to 3 year timeframe may want to consider participating in the activation key program. The program is a way for HP to provide to customers, under contract, an activation key for one or more ProLiant Essentials products. The contract stipulates that customers must pay for each copy of the value pack software they use, when they actually use it. This is a way for HP to assign an activation key to a customer and for the customer to pay for the licenses "as they go".
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| Q2. |
How does the Activation Key Program work? |
| A2. |
Your HP account or sales manager or your HP authorized reseller can request an Activation Key Agreement (AKA) be initiated on your behalf. To place the request, they’ll need to obtain some information from you, such as which ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control products you desire and an estimate for the maximum quantity of licenses you may use. This information is transferred into an AKA contract form, which will be provided back to you along with supporting documentation for your signature. Once you’ve signed the AKA contract, you will be issued the following:
- One activation key for each requested software product in the AKA,
- Copies of the product installation media (where applicable) and associated product documentation
This provides you the materials necessary to install and use the software. Note however, you must pay for each copy upon its actual use.
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| Q3. |
How do I pay for copies of the software under the Activation Key Program? |
| A3. |
The AKA will list the applicable HP tracking license part numbers for the ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control products you chose. When you want to deploy and use one or more copies of a product, you must submit a purchase order for a quantity of the corresponding tracking license part number. Upon acceptance of your purchase order by HP, you are free to use your installation media and activation key to deploy the number of copies in question. Note that you don’t have to wait for anything to be delivered, in fact other than an invoice, the tracking license part numbers do not result in anything being delivered to you when ordered.
If your tracking license includes HP services, such as Software Technical Support and Updates, you must separately register your services after you purchase your tracking license. A link to the applicable registration portal is listed on http://www.hp.com/go/insightcontrol. |
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| Q4. |
Why must I estimate the quantity of product licenses I’ll use for establishment of an AKA? |
| A4. |
The estimate is the means by which HP sizes the activation key. Activation keys are not "open-ended"; all of them have a fixed capacity in the number of licenses they activate. An estimate of the customer’s usage rate is needed in order to accurately size the key issued by HP. When that key is used up, it cannot be increased and HP must issue an entirely new key.
Note that for the standard Activation Key Agreement product quantity estimates are not in any way, shape, or form a volume commit on the part of the customer. There are no penalties associated if the estimated quantities are not actually used up.
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| Q5. |
How do I acquire Activation Keys from my reseller or HP partners? |
| A5. |
Customers interested in participating in the Activation Key Program must sign an AKA directly with HP and, upon signature, obtain their particular activation key and media. Thereafter, the customer may order the pertinent tracking license part numbers through their preferred reseller.
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| Q6. |
Can I purchase and use the tracking license part numbers without an AKA? |
| A6. |
No. You should instead purchase either the flexible quantity packs or single license packs.
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| Q7. |
I have an AKA and urgently need new licenses. Can I go ahead and deploy and use new copies of the software before actually placing the purchase order for the new tracking licenses? |
| A7. |
HP understands there are times when urgent or emergency situations dictate the immediate need for additional software deployment and use outside of normal sales hours. You can respond accordingly to these needs provided you place the corresponding purchase order for the appropriate number of new tracking licenses within 5 business days.
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| Q8. |
When I place an order using the tracking license part numbers, why don't I (or my customer) receive any materials? |
| A8. |
The purpose of the tracking license is to provide the means for customers to remit for the copies of the software they actually use. HP issues activation keys and necessary product media to the customer upon their signature on the AKA, so the only thing outstanding is for the customer to pay HP when copies are activated. HP wants to minimize any delays for customers to be entitled to use copies of their ProLiant Essentials software; therefore, it is only necessary to wait for HP’s acceptance of the tracking license part number order before the customer can proceed to use the software.
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| Q9. |
If nothing gets delivered when I purchase the license-only part numbers in conjunction with an AKA, then what evidence do I have of my rights to those licenses? |
| A9. |
The HP invoice for your HP accepted purchase orders are sufficient evidence of your rights to ProLiant Essentials and Insight Control licenses under an established AKA. If you prefer additional documentation, please contact your HP account manager. |
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| Q10. |
How does the AKA work for global customers? |
| A10. |
The AKA is designed for global use and the tracking license part numbers are available for purchase worldwide. There should be no need to establish different AKAs with the various global business units in a customer's company unless it's the customer's standard business practice or local laws require it.
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| Q11. |
Do different parts of the same company have to establish their own AKA? |
| A11. |
It is up to the customer to decide whether they need unique AKA contracts for different business units of their company.
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| Q12. |
Am I legally bound to purchase the number of licenses agreed to in the AKA? |
| A12. |
You only pay for the copies you actually use. You are not obligated to purchase the quantity listed in the AKA. The quantity is an estimate used to create your license key. When the AKA expires, if you have not purchased the total quantity listed, the remaining amount goes unused with no additional cost or obligation to you. See also "Why must I estimate the quantity of product licenses I'll use for establishment of an AKA?"
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| Q13. |
If I previously established an AKA for a particular number of licenses, can I extend the agreement to cover the purchase of additional licenses and still use the same key? |
| A13. |
If you want to maintain both the same quantity and same license key stipulated in your current agreement, contact your sales representative to negotiate an extension to your agreement. If you need to increase the estimated quantity for any reason, it will be necessary to create a new activation key. It is up to you whether the new key would cover both your old and new agreement quantities, or whether you want an additional key to cover just your incremental needs.
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| Q14. |
How long does it take to establish an AKA? |
| A14. |
The contract process can be highly variable and usually has a protracted duration to complete. If you need to deploy and use the software in the interim, consider purchasing either flexible quantity packs or single license packs.
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| Q15. |
Can I get activation keys in advance without setting up an AKA? |
| A15. |
No. The Activation Key Program and AKA are the only means by which HP can issue ProLiant Essentials activation keys in advance of actual customer purchases.
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