Configuring the options file

Use the options file to reserve or deny licenses.

About this task

Attention: The license server log files (lmgrd.log, lmgrd.log.back, and ibmratl_timestamp.log) and option files (such as ibmratl.opt) are the source of data for the reporting tool. Do not delete or modify these files. Doing so results in license usage reporting inaccuracies. For more information, see technical document http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21671165.

IBM provides the least restrictive licensing environment possible. By default, the server does not restrict access to a client that requests a license key. This configuration works best for most customers. For a more controlled license environment, use the options file to reserve or deny licenses for certain users, hosts, displays, groups, or IP addresses. You can also limit the number of licenses that each user or group can access.

The options file is a case-sensitive text file that sets the options for the license server. The options file can be used with the different types of floating licenses keys: temporary, evaluation, or permanent licenses keys. Your options file is located in the LKS_INSTALL_DIR\bin directory and might have the name ibmratl.opt. If you do not have an options file, you can create one.

Procedure

  1. Create a text file with the name ibmratl.opt in the LKS_INSTALL_DIR\bin directory.
  2. Enter a command line in the file to reserve or exclude licenses for specified users.

    For information about options file commands, see Options file commands.

    Remember: For the server to recognize the file or changes made to the file, restart the license server. The lmreread diagnostic tool does not detect changes that are made to the options file.

Example

The following options file that reserves licenses.

You have 10 floating licenses for IBM® Rational® ClearQuest®. To ensure that users Greg and Michelle always have a license of ClearQuest available to them, configure the options file as follows: 

RESERVE 1 ClearQuest USER greg
RESERVE 1 ClearQuest USER michelle

The following options file excludes users from accessing a license.

You have 10 floating licenses for ClearQuest. To ensure that Sally cannot access a ClearQuest license, configure the options file as follows: 

EXCLUDE ClearQuest USER sally
For more information about the ibmratl daemon, see Vendor daemon.