Let’s Talk Licensing!
We now offer four major different types of authorization across eight different devices!
No other competitor comes close to the flexibility we offer! 8)
Every option below has advantages and disadvantages so read everything closely before you choose which option is best for you!
All with the ability to Self Manage Licenses now!
Feel free to email us any questions if you are still confused which route to choose … 8)
New and Best Option!
Option #1: CloudBased Floating Network Licenses (Recommended)
Now we have the ability to ditch all device binding and open a Cloud Session to launch BaseHead. This allows running BH from home…close it and open it up at work all with the same license without the need for a dongle!
Who is this for?
Pretty much anyone as long as you have internet everywhere where you work. This allows to access the license without carrying a dongle. They are also great for facilities especially that want to hand out temp Work from Home licenses to their employees easily and hassle free!
Pros:
+ Doesn’t use a USB port or is Locked to any single machine. Complete Freedom!
+ Uses the same containers as the new .key file licensing system allowing you to jump back and forth to device bound licenses containers at will on the ‘My Licenses’ Page
+ Cross-Platform License.
+ Self Manageable
Cons:
– Only if you work in some locations with no internet then you will want to steer clear of this option otherwise it’s highly recommended above all the below options. 😉
Click the button below to learn more about CloudBased Licenses.
Option #2: USB Device Hardware Locking (USB Flash Drives or iLok2 or iLok3)
You can lock to removable USB Devices. (This includes iLok’s also)
We can bind to any USB device’s serial number and create the license with your serial number embedded to make it all work. So in a few simple steps, BaseHead will be locked to one of these removable devices so you can work in locations without internet.
Who is this for?
People that work in locations occasionally without internet. If you have internet everywhere you work then please choose the CloudBased option as it more flexible, less hassle and the future. 😉
Pros:
+ Let’s you use your iLok or USB flash drive you might be using for Waves plugins already plugged in your
system and not have to use another USB port
+ Cross-Platform License.
+ Self Manageable
Cons:
– Doesn’t work over LAN like the CM Options and does work over WAN like the CloudBased option.
– Doesn’t support multiple floating licenses.
iLok Users: make sure you read the iLOK FAQ before choosing this option.
Option #3: Dongle-Less (Locking to your system CPU)
Who is this for?
People that work in one location, on one computer and don’t have internet.
Only recommended now if you do NOT have internet access otherwise please choose the CloudBased option.
Pros:
+ Doesn’t use a USB port like the Device binded options. (but neither does the CloudBased option)
+ Self Manageable
Cons:
– The license can only be used on one machine at a time so you’ll need to choose between PC or Mac.
– NOT Cross Platform
– You are not mobile at all, unless locking to a laptop.
Option #4A: CodeMeter CmStick USB dongles
NOTE: We no longer sell this and will be dropping support for the in basehead v2024 in favor of an in house built and more modern system!
Who is this for:
+ Facilities closed from the outside world needing multiple licenses and maximum flexibly with floating licenses.
Pros:
+ Supports Floating Network Licenses that work over LAN
+ Example: You can put 20 licenses on a single dongle, hang it on a centralized server and up to 20
licenses can then be accessed from anywhere in the facility.
+ Easier license management and easiest future license upgrades for multi-user facilities.
+ Cross-Platform Licenses.
+ Works on Raspberry Pi devices also that allows you to set up a super cheap always ON license server.
Cons:
– We are dropping support for this in basehead 2024
– Not good for the Individual users
– Need to buy a CmStick if you don’t already have one.
– NOT Self Manageable and licenses do not auto-update.
Option #4B: CodeMeter ACT Network dongle-less
this is also for Closed from the outside world Facilities that need LAN based Floating Licenses just like the above ^^ BUT is mainly for facilities that are using Virtual Machine’s for their License Servers cuz these do not like USB devices hung on them very much.
NOTE: If your facility changes License Servers more than once a year, than avoid this option if possible and choose #4A instead. Also keep in mind that this option has slight downtime when moving servers unlike when having a physical hardware dongle, so you have to decide if this option is better for your facility or not. 8)
Individual user
For CodeMeter setup videos for LAN or WAN access, see THIS PAGE.
I see a Renewal Date on the Start Page. Is my license gonna die on that date?
Nope! our standard licenses are Perpetual and will never die. This date is just when your 12, 24 or 36 months of free updates and Priority Support end, but BaseHead will keep on working past this date just fine. The only exception to the above is if you purchased a special license from us direct that is marked as Terminal or EDU
What happens if I my internet goes down with CloudBased Licenses?
If you internet is detected as down on launch BaseHead will run off a temporariy certificate license for up to 12 hours grace period, which should be plenty for time for your ISP to get their act together. 😉
What if I loose my USB Device or iLok I binded my license to or it gets damaged?
On the ‘My Licenses’ page just press ‘Deactivate’ to move your license to another Device. License Containers and full self-managable now if not a CmStick.
What if a new major version comes out 3-5 months after I buy a license, do I have to pay for that?
Nope! you get 12 months of free updates Standard from the time of purchase and this applies to minor or major versions. Once your 12 month period ends you can purchase an extra 12-36 months to help us out and to make sure you have the latest bug fixes and features OR just wait until your see a feature your really want before extending your Support/Maintenance Plan.
What if I chose to bind to my System Drive and had to reformat my PC or Mac?
Simple…..
Just ‘Deactivate……Move and Reactivate it on the ‘My Licenses’ Page in your account. Easy Peasy! 😉