IBM Support

Tech Preview for Rational License Key Server, RLKS Administration and Reporting Tool, and RLKS Administration Agent

Download


Abstract

IBM Rational License Key Server Tech Preview has been made generally available and it contains an alternate logging mechanism for the reporting purpose.

Download Description

Table of Contents
Sections Description

The Change history section provides an overview on what is new in this release with a description of any new functions or enhancements when applicable.

The How critical is this fix section provides information related to the impact of this release to allow you to assess how your environment may be affected.

The Prerequisites section provides important information to review prior to the installation of this release.

The Download package section provides the direct link to obtain the download package for installation in your environment.

The Installation instructions section provides the installation instructions necessary to apply this release into your environment.

The Known side effects section contains a link to the known problems (open defects) identified at the time of this release.

Supporting Documentation
Document Description

IBM Knowledge Center provides an entry point to Tech Preview release documentation. You can view, browse, and search online information related to the product.

 

Prerequisites

Attention: Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool (ART) and IBM Rational License Key Server Administration Agent MUST BE CONFIGURED according to the following hardware and software specifications. Otherwise, failure may occur during license administration and usage reporting.

Prerequisites include:

Version of IBM Installation Manager required: IBM Installation Manager 1.8.9.

Additional notes: You can install Tech Preview offering on a supported machine.

  • If you are using versions 8.1.5.x, you can upgrade to Tech Preview
  • If you are using versions 8.1.4.x,  you must migrate to 8.1.5.4 first and then upgrade to Tech Preview

Important: Before upgrading ART & Agent to Tech Preview, you must upgrade the Rational license key server from 8.1.4 or 8.1.5 to Tech preview build. Once you upgrade and start the license server, the new log files is created. This log file is used as input for license usage calculation.

If you are currently using ART version 8.1.4.2 or 8.1.4.3, to upgrade to version 8.1.5, you cannot use the IBM Installation Manager Update option to upgrade. You must uninstall the previous version of ART. After you uninstall the previous version, the data in the installation directory remains. Do not delete this directory. When you install version 8.1.5, the installer migrates the data from the old installation directory into the new installation directory. Ensure that you select the option to migrate data from the old installation location during the installation. For detailed steps, see the Upgrading section of the IBM Knowledge Center.

However, if you are currently using ART version 8.1.4.4 or later, you can upgrade to version 8.1.5 using the IBM Installation Manager Update option.

If the 8.1.4 agent is configured with ART, when you upgrade to 8.1.5, the tool shows the reporting status as Not Running. When you select Start reporting for the first time, the log file conversion process begins. Depending on the size of your server log file, the process can take awhile for the initial conversion of the data. The system must convert the data in the entire log to the required format.

Data backup and upgrade

When you upgrade from version 8.1.4.4 or later, the installer automatically creates a backup of your license usage data. However, if you prefer to create your own backup, copy this directory: RLKSAdmin/server/conf/lqe.

Hardware requirements

Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool

  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Disk space: 100 GB

Rational License Key Server Administration Agent

  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Disk space: 50 GB

Software requirements

Web browser requirement for Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool

  • Mozilla Firefox: 10 ESR and future fix packs
  •  Internet Explorer: Version 11
     Important: Switch to Standard View by clicking Tools > Developer tools to work with ART. Internet Explorer does not render ART properly in Compatibility View.

Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool

  • Operating systems: ONLY 64-BIT OPERATING SYSTEMS ARE SUPPORTED

Rational License Key Server Administration Agent

  • Rational License Key Server: Tech Preview
  • Operating Systems: All operating systems supported by Rational License Key Server (version Tech Preview)

Other

Special characters supported by reports

  • For a list of special characters that are supported by reports in ART, see the technical document.

Back to top

Installation Instructions

 
Steps to install Rational License Key Server on Windows operating system using Launchpad
  1. Download the Rational License Key Server Offering Media - Launchpad included (Windows Only) zip file fromjazz.net.
  2. Extract the setup to a local directory. Extracting setup creates RLKSSERVER_SETUP\disk1 folder.
  3. Run the launchpad.bat file that is available at RLKSSERVER_SETUP\disk1 location. A Common Launchpad window opens.
  4. Click the Install or Update IBM Rational License Key Server link on the Common Launchpad window. The IBM Installation Manager opens.
  5. Select the IBM Rational License Key Server package to install and click Next.
  6. Check for Validation Results and warnings to close all applications and anti-virus software and click Next.
  7. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
  8. Provide the installation directory for Rational License Key Server and click Next.
    • If you have Installation Manager installed on your machine, you can see Shared Resource Directory location. Otherwise, you must provide installation directory for Installation Manager.
  9. Select required languages and click Next.
  10. Review the installation summary and click Install.
  11. View the log file for errors once the installation process completes and click Finish to close the Installation Manager.
Steps to install Rational License Key Server on Linux and UNIX operating system
  1. Download the IBM Installation Manager V 1.8.9.
    • You can skip this step if you have Installation Manager V 1.8.9 or later installed on your machine.
  2. Download required Rational License Key Server Offering Media - No launchpad (Repo only) zip file from jazz.net.
  3. Extract the file to a local directory.
  4. Run the Installation Manager and select File->Preferences.
  5. In Preferences window, click Add Repository. The Add Repository window opens.
  6. Click Browse to select the repository that is <extracted location of RLKS Offering media.zip>\RLKSSERVER_SETUP\disk1\diskTag.inf and click Ok.
  7. Click Ok to close the Preferences window.
  8. In IBM Installation Manager window, click Install.
  9. Select the IBM Rational License Key Server package to install and click Next.
  10. Check for Validation Results and warnings to close all applications and anti-virus software and click Next.
  11. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
  12. Provide installation directory for Rational License Key Server and click Next.
  13. Select required languages and click Next.
  14. Review the installation summary and click Install.
  15. View the log file for errors once the installation process completes and click Finish to close the Installation Manager.
Steps to install Rational License Key Server Administration Agent on Windows and Linux operating system using Launchpad
  1. Download Administration and Reporting Tool for Windows and Linux zip file from jazz.net.
  2. Extract the setup to a local directory and run the launchpad application. A Common Launchpad window opens.
    • On Windows operating system, run RLKS_MASTER_DISK_WIN_LINUX\launchpad.bat file.
    • On Linux operating system, run RLKS_MASTER_DISK_WIN_LINUX\launchpad.sh file.
  3. Click the Install IBM Rational License Key Server Administration Agent on the Common Launchpad window.
  4. Click the Install IBM Rational License Key Server Administration Agent link. The Install Packages wizard opens.
  5. Select the package that is IBM Rational License Key Server Administration Agent and click Next.
  6. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
    • By default, Create a new package group option is selected when you are installing the packages.
  7. Provide the installation directory for IBM RLKS Administration Agent and click Next.
    • If you have Installation Manager installed on your machine, you can see Shared Resource Directory location.Otherwise, you must provide installation directory for Installation Manager.
  8. Select required languages and click Next.
  9. Select the features IBM Rational License Key Server Administration Agent to install and click Next.
  10. Select the license server and provide configuration parameters such as Port number, License server type, and Installed license servers. Click Next.
    • Important: Make sure the Rational License Key Server is installed and running.
    • You can use existing configuration parameters to proceed with installation process.
  11. Review the installation summary and click Install.
  12. View the log file for errors once the installation process completes.
  13. Click Finish to close the Installation Manager.
Steps to install Rational License Key Server Administration Agent on UNIX operating system
  1. Download the IBM Installation Manager V 1.8.9.
    • You can skip this step if you have Installation Manager V 1.8.9 or later installed on your machine.
  2. Download Administration and Reporting Tool for Unix zip file from jazz.net.
  3. Extract the file to a local directory.
  4. Run the Installation Manager and select File->Preferences.
  5. In Preferences window, click Add Repository. The Add Repository window opens.
  6. Click Browse to select the repository that is <extracted location of RLKS_ADMIN Offering media.zip>\RLKS_ADMIN_AGENT\disk1\diskTag.inf and click Ok.
  7. Click Ok to close the Preferences window.
  8. In IBM Installation Manager window, click Install.
  9. Select the IBM Rational License Key Server Administration Agent package to install and click Next.
  10. Check for Validation Results and warnings to close all applications and anti-virus software and click Next.
  11. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
  12. Provide installation directory for Rational License Key Server Administration Agent and click Next.
  13. Select required languages and click Next.
  14. Select the license server and provide configuration parameters such as Port number, License server type, and Installed license servers. Click Next.
    • Important: Make sure the Rational License Key Server is installed and running.
    • You can use existing configuration parameters to proceed with installation process.
  15. Review the installation summary and click Install.
  16. View the log file for errors once the installation process completes and click Finish to close the Installation Manager.
Steps to install Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool on Windows and Linux operating system using Launchpad
  1. Download Administration and Reporting Tool for Windows and Linux zip file from jazz.net.
  2. Extract the setup to a local directory and run the launchpad application. A Common Launchpad window opens.
    • On Windows operating system, run RLKS_MASTER_DISK_WIN_LINUX\launchpad.bat file
    • On Linux operating system, run RLKS_MASTER_DISK_WIN_LINUX\launchpad.sh file.
  3. Click the IBM Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool on the Common Launchpad window.
  4. Click the IBM Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool link. The Install Packages wizard opens.
  5. Select the package that is IBM Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool and click Next.
  6. Check for Validation Results and Warnings. Click Next.
  7. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
    • By default, Create a new package group option is selected when you are installing the packages.
  8. Provide the installation directory for IBM RLKS Administration and Reporting Tool and click Next.
    • If you have Installation Manager installed on your machine, you can see Shared Resource Directory location. Otherwise, you must provide installation directory for Installation Manager.
  9. Select required languages and click Next.
  10. Select the features IBM Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool to install and click Next.
  11. Review the installation summary and click Install.
  12. View the log file for errors once the installation process completes.
  13. Click Finish to close the Installation Manager.
Steps to install Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool on UNIX operating system
  1. Download the IBM Installation Manager V 1.8.9.
    • You can skip this step if you have Installation Manager V 1.8.9 or later installed on your machine.
  2. Download Administration and Reporting Tool for Unix zip file from jazz.net.
  3. Extract the file to a local directory.
  4. Run the Installation Manager and select File->Preferences.
  5. In Preferences window, click Add Repository. The Add Repository window opens.
  6. Click Browse to select the repository that is <extracted location of RLKS_ADMIN Offering media.zip>\RLKS_ADMIN\disk1\diskTag.inf and click Ok.
  7. Click Ok to close the Preferences window.
  8. In IBM Installation Manager window, click Install.
  9. Select the IBM Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool package to install and click Next.
  10. Check for Validation Results and warnings to close all applications and anti-virus software and click Next.
  11. Accept the license agreement and click Next.
  12. Provide installation directory for Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool and click Next.
  13. Select required languages and click Next.
  14. Select the features IBM Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool to install and click Next.
  15. Review the installation summary and click Install.
  16. View the log file for errors once the installation process completes and click Finish to close the Installation Manager.

Back to top

Download Package

The following sections provide detailed information related to this release.

Click the jazz.net link to obtain TechPreview release.

 

How critical is this fix?

Impact Assessment
Impact Description

Corrective

This is a TechPreview release. It only contains new logging for accurate reporting.

Test Results

Close [x]

Definitions

Regression: An error in the Maintenance Delivery Vehicle (MDV) that produces incorrect or unexpected behavior causing a supported feature to stop functioning as designed.
This includes:

  • Coding errors that cause a regression
  • Documentation or packaging problems that cause a regression
  • Errors reported in a new function delivered in a MDV that cause a regression

 

Incomplete: An error in the MDV has not regressed, but does not work as designed.
This includes:

  • Fixed APARs which did not solve the original problem but did not break anything new
  • APARs reporting documentation errors, such as readme errors, that cause problems applying an MDV but do not lead to a regression

 

Notes:
  • Regression and incomplete APARs are considered fix-in-error or MDV-in-error
  • Definitions above apply only to valid APARs that result in product fixes (APARs returned as working-as-designed are not assessed for being fix-in-error)
  • Issues in major releases due to new functionality do not apply in this definition

 

 

There are no known regressions to report.

Back to top

Problems Solved

 
  • Under high network traffic, not all license transactions are logged in the previous lmgrd.log file. With rlks.log, these transactions are logged and hence there is improved reporting of the license usage.
  • Improvements in the accuracy to generated calculation on linger licenses when there is a server shutdown
  • Improvements to the calculation on the license usage scenarios when there is upgrade and downgrade of license consumption

Known Side Effects

The following are known limitations in this release:

 

  • There might be a deviation in the license usage calculation for CLM tokens, when there is a linger license check-out with a renewal and license key server shutdown in between the linger expiry time.
 

Back to top

Change History

What's new

Rational License Key Server provides a new alternate logging mechanism. IBM Rational License Key Server Administration & Reporting Tool uses this logging mechanism to provide more accurate reports.

Important: Do not read the new log files to calculate the license usage.

Back to top

On
[{"Business Unit":{"code":"BU053","label":"Cloud & Data Platform"},"Product":{"code":"SSTMW6","label":"Rational License Key Server"},"Component":"Rational License Key Server Administration and Reporting Tool","Platform":[{"code":"PF002","label":"AIX"},{"code":"PF010","label":"HP-UX"},{"code":"PF016","label":"Linux"},{"code":"PF027","label":"Solaris"},{"code":"PF033","label":"Windows"}],"Version":"Tech Preview","Edition":"","Line of Business":{"code":"LOB45","label":"Automation"}}]

Document Information

Modified date:
29 August 2018

UID

ibm10713575

Page Feedback