Search

SELECT Server XM Edition and Trust Licensing

Support

<< Return to Index
Subject: Application Usage Reporting
Product: SELECT Server XM Edition
Document Number: 8907

  1. Is it possible for SSXM to provide dynamic reporting so that I can tell who is using what software right now?
  2. Is my company required to report application usage to Bentley?
  3. Has usage report transmission always been required?
  4. What reports does SELECT Server now include?
  5. Why does "Academic Suite" or "MicroStation Modeler" show up in my usage reports, even though we do not use these applications?
  6. I have used SELECT Server's previous license enforcement techniques to prevent application usage. For example, how do I prevent users from choosing MicroStation when they only really need to use MicroStation PowerDraft?
  7. We have users that use MicroStation for checking drawings and doing small edits, and will spend only 5-10 minutes using the software, and not use it again that day. Does that count for a whole day's worth of usage?

Question 1: Is it possible for SSXM to provide dynamic reporting so that I can tell who is using what software right now?

Answer: SELECT Server XM does not require real-time connectivity and it cannot produce real-time reporting, so reporting on a Site's "current" usage is not possible. The reason for this is that many disconnected machines may not have posted their usage logs to SELECT Server and the server cannot make "assumptions" in the absence of a usage log. However, usage can be posted at any time from any desktop that is connected by hitting 'Send Logs Now' on the License Tool.

Question 2: Is my company required to report application usage to Bentley?

Answer: The transmission of usage logs to Bentley is a requirement with the migration to the SELECT Server XM Edition. Previous versions of SELECT Server have compiled and reported application usage but none have supported disconnected use. SELECT Server XM Edition therefore introduces a brand new infrastructure and process for report transmission, automating the process and, thereby, removing any unnecessary demands on the administrator's time. This reporting function is very important to Bentley, as this detailed knowledge helps inform Bentley regarding:

  • What products are in use
  • Where to direct future development efforts to the benefit of the user base
  • How to resource for future support services
Furthermore, long-range development priorities can also be better validated when Bentley understands how many users will benefit from a compelling new product or feature.

Back to Index

Question 3: Has usage report transmission always been required?

Answer: No, it was not previously mandatory to transmit usage reports to Bentley, although the SELECT Agreement does refer to Bentley's right to ask for logs at our discretion. SELECT Server has provided an electronic means for optionally transmitting logs for several releases.

Question 4: What reports does SELECT Server now include?

Answer: SELECT Server reports on application usage and version. The usage reports will allow the user and Bentley to determine which versions of which applications are being used at a site. Standard reports include:

  • The Summary Report accounts for peak utilization of pooled applications, including the number of machines and the date the peak occurred.
  • Daily Pooled Usage counts application utilization each day, including specific versions used.
  • The Application Usage report details what applications ran on which machines.
  • The Machine Usage report confirms which machines used a particular application.
  • Application by User, which lists each application in use that requires a named user license and the user who used them throughout the reporting period.
  • A monthly summary of the number of named users accessing Bentley tools.
  • A summary of total server right-to-run licenses used during the reporting period.

Back to Index

Question 5: Why does "Academic Suite" or "MicroStation Modeler" show up in my usage reports, even though we do not use these applications?

Answer: If either application shows up in August or September 2006 usage reports, you should disregard this usage. This was an anomaly due to an error in product IDs in Bentley's CRM system. The problem has been corrected and Bentley will disregard any of this usage that appears in transmitted usage reports to Bentley.

Question 6: I have used SELECT Server's previous license enforcement techniques to prevent application usage. For example, how do I prevent users from choosing MicroStation when they only really need to use MicroStation PowerDraft?

Answer: Put the right application for the right profile of user on the right machine. If one user performs tasks that require both applications be used on the same machine by the same user, then teach the user to use the right application for the task at hand.

Back to Index

Question 7: We have users that use MicroStation for checking drawings and doing small edits, and will spend only 5-10 minutes using the software, and not use it again that day. Does that count for a whole day's worth of usage?

Answer: This type of use would result in one HOUR of usage, not one day of usage. For an ELS account, however, there is no pooling, so each user/machine would log usage of any application one day at a time. If MicroStation is only being used for checking drawings, the account may want to consider using ProjectWise Navigator, Bentley Redline, or Bentley View as alternatives to MicroStation for design review tasks.

 

How useful was this page?
less   more
Suggest new content or let us know how we can improve this content (optional):

<< E-mail this page