Feb 18, 2021
04:52 AM
1 Kudo
@patrik_sliacky Thank you for your question.
The way to interpret this is that the value 24 denotes the availability of number of license hours. A value less than 24 means that either the vendor daemon is down (not serving licenses) for that period or all the report logs have not been aggregated. This value is obtained from the report logs.
For example,
1. if the vendor daemon is down for 1 hour in a day, then availability value will be 23 for that day
or
2. if we miss any report log data from say 3 pm to 5 pm, then the value will be 22 for that day
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Nov 16, 2020
01:03 AM
6 Kudos
Question: What are root access privileges?
Answer: The usage ‘root access privileges’ is typically used to refer to permissions given to a username or account that has access to all commands and files on a Linux or other Unix-like operating system. This account is also referred to as the root account, root user or superuser.
In a Windows environment, an administrator account holds similar superuser privileges.
Question: Are there any risks associated with root access privileges?
Answer: Yes, there are risks associated with human users being given root access privileges. They may make mistakes (mistype a powerful command or delete important files) or perform actions with malicious intent.
When it comes to programs being given root privilege access in an enterprise environment, organizations usually have an IT security approval process to allow a program to have root privileges if it has been certified and needs the privileges for performing it’s intended functions.
Question: Does the Flexera’s inventory solution require root access privileges?
Answer: The inventory components of the FlexNet Manager Suite (FNMS) can be implemented in a variety of ways depending on the license compliance and optimization use cases an organization wishes to fulfil and the inventory tools they would like to use to cover those use cases.
For basic inventory, the FlexNet Beacon can connect to numerous third-party inventory solutions (like Microsoft SCCM, HP Universal Discovery, etc.) to gather hardware and software inventory required for compliance and optimization. It is also possible to build custom adapters to import data from other third-party tools.
For certain specific use cases, where these third-party inventory sources do not provide enough licensing information, the FlexNet Inventory Agent is recommended. The Flexera Inventory Agent is capable of gathering specific inventory details around hardware (like BIOS, UUID details on Linux, MAC address in Solaris, etc.) and software usage tracking for IBM Peak Value Utilization (PVU) and Oracle License Management Services (LMS).
The FlexNet Inventory Agent comprises inventory and usage tracking services that require root access privileges to perform deeper inventory for the above-mentioned specific use cases. These privileges are restricted only to the system(s) with the deployed agent(s) or system(s) adopted for zero-footprint agent installation.
The FlexNet Beacon and Agent are certified by Veracode (SOC 2 Type II) and the server-side components of the FNMS solution have been certified by WhiteHat.
Question: Can the Flexera Inventory Agent be used without direct root access privileges?
Answer: The Flexera Inventory Agent can be run as a non-root account, but it limits the effectiveness of the inventory gathering. For example, running the Agent as a non-root user returns inventory data only for that user’s context based on the permissions that that user has.
That said, the Flexera Inventory Agent can also be used in an indirect mode which means that it there is an additional level of control that the customer can exercise over the running of the agent program with root access privileges.
You can designate a proxy system/user account (with a setuid operation for xnix) for the Flexera Inventory Agent with the permissions that the customer can provide or revoke as needed
You can use a command line interface or scheduler (e.g. cron, etc.) to invoke the Inventory Scanner component (with elevated privileges) as needed
You can also use the Flexera Beacon with our ‘Zero Touch’ Agent option along with a High Privilege Access (HPA) management tool like CyberArk which lets you configure access for ‘root’ accounts with access logging. The Flexera Beacon has a built-in integration with CyberArk which allows its password store to provide safe access to remotely install the ‘Zero Touch’ agent to perform inventory.
Question: What are some best practices around allowing root access privileges?
Answer: When it comes to xnix platforms, we recommend using SELinux or similar technologies which have better controls and constraints placed on user permissions.
Question: What are the inventory details that cannot be collected if the Flexera Inventory Agent does not have root access privileges?
Without proper root access privileges, the following inventory details cannot be collected:
All platforms
UNIX-like systems
· InstallAnywhere, InstallShield Multiplatform, or Oracle Universal Installer evidence under paths not accessible by the executing user
· Oracle Database service discovery via the local listener using lsnrctl
· Oracle Database inventory which may use impersonation of an Oracle Database administration user when running the sqlplus command
· Lack of BIOS serial number which makes computer management quite difficult and usually results in duplicates as machines replaced, migrated etc.
· File evidence from any file system path not accessible by the executing user
Mac OS X systems
Solaris systems
· Mac OS X package bundle paths under /Applications or /System/Library not accessible by the executing user
· MAC addresses of network adapters
· SPARC model using OpenPROM interface
HP-UX systems
· SD-UX installation evidence from swlist if access has been locked down with swreg or swacl
· vPar evidence including VMType, VMName, and vPar capacity (vparstatus requires root)
· Hard disk drive properties including capacity
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Oct 25, 2020
05:43 PM
3 Kudos
@harryanesi Thank you for your question. Our analytics capability is a white-labeled Cognos implementation. Our license contract with IBM only permits the distribution of only a single tenant version on-premise.
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Oct 14, 2020
08:07 AM
2 Kudos
@sissonr Here's a link to the feature (written up for Unix but refers to the Windows scenario as well): https://docs.flexera.com/fnms/EN/features/index.html#FeatureList/2019R1-2/RN_chg_JavaInvOnUX.html
Our inventory gathering guide is another excellent reference to get a general understanding: https://docs.flexera.com/fnms/EN/GatherFNInv/index.html
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Oct 14, 2020
07:55 AM
3 Kudos
@craig_moore Thanks for the question. The general scenarios for editions and bundles have proven to be less relevant since editions apply to cases where Java was already being paid for (e.g. Advanced Java) and would just be migrated to an SE subscription and for bundles the licensing is already covered by the application Java is bundled with.
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Sep 28, 2020
06:41 AM
4 Kudos
@sissonr Thanks for the question. The Java Usage Tracker is an independent means of verifying usage which customers can use if they already have the Advanced Java Suite or plan to sign up for a Java SE subscription. Our tracking capability is independent of the usage tracker since we wanted to build something that was broadly applicable, even for customers that do not have Advanced Java or plan to get a Java SE subscription. We currently do not have plans to integrate with the Java Usage Tracker utility but might do so in the future if a suitable integration use case arises.
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Sep 01, 2020
06:32 PM
3 Kudos
We are pleased to announce the 2020 R1 release for FlexNet Manager for Engineering Applications (FNMEA).
We would like to thank all customers who have provided their valuable feedback to help us focus our efforts on the following features and enhancements:
Support for open-source object-relational database PostgreSQL is available for the admin and reporting databases. This will help eliminate the additional cost of obtaining licenses for commercial databases like Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle Database.
Support for near real-time log rotation with newly introduced intervals of 1 minute and 30 seconds. This will help have more frequent and fine-grained logging of user license activity.
Upgraded analytics and reporting to Cognos 11.0.13 Long-term Support (LTS) version. This will help with better supportability as well as additional features in the version like new base samples, improved drill-through capabilities, etc.
Updated support for TLS 1.3 protocol which is faster and more secure
FlexNet Manager for Engineering Agent 5.7 is now available for the Solaris 11.x SPARC
‘Duplicates’ and ‘Total Used’ columns added to Usage Summary Report
For more information on the features and enhancements listed above, please refer to the release notes and the updated documentation supplied with this release and available from Flexera Product Documentation.
FlexNet Manager for Engineering Applications release 2020 R1 is available for download from the Product and License Center link in the Flexera Community.
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Jun 26, 2020
09:58 PM
4 Kudos
What is Digital Access?
A lot of you have been wondering what the SAP’s new ‘Digital Access’ license model is all about. Some of you might be aware of the older and less defined ‘Indirect Access’ licensing construct that ended up costing some companies millions of dollars due to inaccurate license usage reporting from 3 rd party systems like Salesforce. Last year, SAP introduced a new ‘Digital Access’ license model to improve the definition of costs arising out of digital/indirect access. We are happy to announce support for this new ‘Digital Access’ license model as part of the 2020 R1 release for FlexNet Manager Suite.
In a nutshell, the new license model metrics are based on nine document types generated from the Digital Core that represent commonly valued business outcomes. In an SAP ecosystem, there will be a cost associated with the initial creation of these types of documents in SAP systems by third-party interfaces. There are no additional costs for reads, updates, deletes or the additional documents automatically generated in the system when the first document is created.
Check out the whitepaper and webinar here if you want to learn more about ‘Indirect or Digital Access’ and the changes introduced by SAP to try and better address the costs of accessing the Digital Core from 3 rd party system interfaces or non-SAP systems.
How does Digital/Indirect Access work in FlexNet Manager for SAP Applications?
FlexNet Manager for SAP Applications already monitors your systems by discovering indirect access by third-party interfaces and non-SAP systems using metrics like RFC calls, functions used and number of non-dialog users. As part of 2020 R1 release, we have added the ability to measure your to measure the cost of indirect/digital access based on the new document license metrics announced by SAP and decide if you want to adopt the new license model.
Collecting Digital Access Data
You can now import digital access data from SAP ECC as well as S/4HANA systems using multiple methods depending on whether you use dependent or independent system configurations. You can use the beacon to specify the collection period if you mostly use independent systems as shown below.
Confirm Data Collection and Manage Price Table
Once your digital access data is collected, you will be able to confirm the details by checking in the ‘Indirect Access’ section of the product in a new ‘Documents’ tab. FlexNet Manager for SAP Applications. On the same page, you will also have the ability to manage the price table based on your contract with SAP or sample/indicative pricing as shown below.
Calculate Digital Access Costs
Once you have ensured that the data is collected and you have set the price table, you just need to run your license position calculation. This takes the metrics gathered from your SAP systems and pricing you have defined to get an idea of the digital access costs you have incurred for the period.
What can I do with Digital Access cost information?
With this capability, you will be able to get an idea of your current costs around digital/indirect access and make an informed decision to choose between the options offered by SAP to migrate to the new model.
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Feb 20, 2020
09:55 PM
2 Kudos
Hi @Vijayflexera, @daves1 , @daniel_klein,
The MSP build for FNMS does not include Cognos licensing. So you would have to use your own licensed version of Cognos with the instructions called out in the following document: https://community.flexera.com/t5/FlexNet-Manager-Knowledge-Base/Installing-FlexNet-Manager-Suite-2018-R1-for-a-Managed-Service/ta-p/2121
Please log a case if you do have the licensing in place and the configuration called out in our install guide does not sort things out for you.
Regards,
Vijay
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Feb 20, 2020
08:16 PM
1 Kudo
@laura_galindo You should be able to create a device-based license and select just the versions of Oracle Java that are classified as 'Commercial'. Some customers even choose to track both free and commercial installs so they get an idea of overall consumption.
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Nov 06, 2019
10:37 PM
1 Kudo
@walterle818 The following section in the their licensing FAQs clarifies that aspect.
The Oracle JDK License FAQ states the following:
For what uses is Oracle Java SE, including Java 8 updates, free? For full information and terms, refer to the OTN License Agreement for Java SE. The OTN License Agreement for Java SE for current Oracle Java SE releases allows them to be used, without cost:
(i) For personal use on a desktop or laptop computer, such as to play games or run other personal applications. (ii) For development, testing, prototyping, and demonstrating applications, including to use by/with profilers, debuggers, and Integrated Development Environment tools. (iii) For use with some approved products, such as Oracle SQL Developer, or as an end user of a software application created by an approved product. (referred to as “Schedule A” and “Schedule B” Products in the OTN License Agreement for Java SE) (iv) With identified Oracle Cloud Infrastructure products.
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Oct 18, 2019
07:42 PM
@tschaus
There is a license check in FlexNet Manager for SAP when a customer exceeds their entitlement. It’s based on the number of consolidated users declared in the license term. When that number is exceeded in Consumed (Current) on the License Position page, there is a warning message that is shown. No functionality is blocked but no further import of users happens after that point.
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Oct 15, 2019
08:10 PM
@mag00_75 Thanks for the suggestion. Will take it up with our content team.
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Sep 11, 2019
07:52 PM
Hi @mag00_75 ,
We do not have plans at the moment to change evidences for older releases (like Java 5, 6, 7) to commercial since Oracle has not indicated anything to that effect. Older java versions till 7 are essentially still free although most customers would have updated to later versions for functionality and security patches. Only the Java 8u211 and 8u212 Patch Set Updates have been made paid for commercial use.
Regards,
Vijay
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Aug 30, 2019
12:49 AM
3 Kudos
Hi @Ronny_OO7, there are updates to the ARL going in this weekend which will support the most current classifications of Java 8 minor versions.
And you can use versions of the Flexera Agent from 2016 and later to detect Java on Windows.
Regards,
Vijay
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Latest posts by vijay_menon
Subject | Views | Posted |
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85 | Feb 18, 2021 04:52 AM | |
424 | Nov 16, 2020 01:03 AM | |
306 | Oct 25, 2020 05:43 PM | |
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415 | Sep 01, 2020 06:32 PM | |
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712 | Feb 20, 2020 08:16 PM |
Activity Feed
- Kudoed Understanding concurrent licensing through usage data for Paul_Diop. Feb 23, 2021 01:42 AM
- Got a Kudo for Re: IBM Cognos reporting of data availability. Feb 18, 2021 08:22 AM
- Posted Re: IBM Cognos reporting of data availability on FlexNet Manager Forum. Feb 18, 2021 04:52 AM
- Kudoed 4 and 10 December and On-Demand: FNMS 2020 R2 On-Prem Release Webinar for KPBussey. Dec 02, 2020 04:53 PM
- Got a Kudo for Frequently Asked Questions about Flexera Agent requirements for Root Access. Nov 17, 2020 01:53 AM
- Got a Kudo for Frequently Asked Questions about Flexera Agent requirements for Root Access. Nov 16, 2020 09:48 AM
- Got a Kudo for Frequently Asked Questions about Flexera Agent requirements for Root Access. Nov 16, 2020 01:36 AM
- Got a Kudo for Frequently Asked Questions about Flexera Agent requirements for Root Access. Nov 16, 2020 01:04 AM
- Posted Frequently Asked Questions about Flexera Agent requirements for Root Access on FlexNet Manager Blog. Nov 16, 2020 01:03 AM
- Got a Kudo for Frequently Asked Questions about Flexera Agent requirements for Root Access. Nov 16, 2020 01:03 AM
- Got a Kudo for Frequently Asked Questions about Flexera Agent requirements for Root Access. Nov 16, 2020 01:03 AM
- Tagged Frequently Asked Questions about Flexera Agent requirements for Root Access on FlexNet Manager Blog. Nov 16, 2020 01:03 AM
- Tagged Frequently Asked Questions about Flexera Agent requirements for Root Access on FlexNet Manager Blog. Nov 16, 2020 01:03 AM
- Tagged Frequently Asked Questions about Flexera Agent requirements for Root Access on FlexNet Manager Blog. Nov 16, 2020 01:03 AM
- Got a Kudo for Re: Flexera Analytics. Oct 26, 2020 01:40 PM
- Got a Kudo for Re: Flexera Analytics. Oct 25, 2020 07:08 PM
- Got a Kudo for Re: Flexera Analytics. Oct 25, 2020 06:57 PM
- Posted Re: Flexera Analytics on FlexNet Manager Forum. Oct 25, 2020 05:43 PM
- Got a Kudo for Updated FlexNet Inventory agent for Oracle Java compliance. Oct 14, 2020 08:26 AM
- Got a Kudo for Re: Updated FlexNet Inventory agent for Oracle Java compliance. Oct 14, 2020 08:09 AM