Frequently Asked Questions:
- What happened to Update Service?
- Who hosts my software binaries?
- On what type of server can I host my update package?
- How hard is it to integrate FLEXnet Connect into my application?
- How is FLEXnet Connect licensed?
- What happens after I purchase a Macrovision Hosted FLEXnet Connect License?
- How do you measure unique users?
- What happens if I go over my purchased number of users?
- Can't I just build my own updating solution?
- Can FLEXnet Connect be used to update third-party applications like Office?
- Is FLEXnet Connect part of InstallShield and InstallAnywhere installer tools?
- From which type of application can I call FLEXnet Connect?
- Do you support HTTPS?
- Can I self-host the entire FLEXnet Connect?
- What languages do you support?
- I develop software for internal use within my company. Can FLEXnet Connect help me deliver updates to those applications?
Answer
What happened to Update Service?
FLEXnet Connect is the new name for Update Service. We changed the name to better reflect the value you get from Update Service, which is more than a software update delivery tool. It is a way to stay connected to your customers to better serve their needs, which includes the electronic delivery of not just updates, but full applications and support and marketing messages as well. FLEXnet Connect also provides invaluable data on how customers are using your products, which you can use to create better software.
Back to TopWho hosts my software binaries?
You host your software update executable on your Web or file server.
Back to TopOn what type of server can I host my update package?
Your update package can be hosted on a Web or file server. FLEXnet Connect does not support FTP, as some companies do not open FTP ports for Internet traffic.
Back to TopHow hard is it to integrate FLEXnet Connect into my application?
FLEXnet Connect runtime can run as either an embedded solution or as a stand-alone desktop tool that you ship included in your setup.
The standalone desktop tool is called the Software Manager. Using the Software Manager, your users can run a manual check for updates or setup an automatic check to happen on a scheduled basis. In this case, no application integration is required.
As an embedded solution, you can invoke FLEXnet Connect runtime from a Windows application via an EXE call or through a COM interface, if you wish to customize the update experience. You can invoke FLEXnet Connect runtime from a Java application via a set of Java APIs.
Back to TopHow is FLEXnet Connect licensed?
The challenge that FLEXnet Connect solves is not specific to the size or scope of a business. Fortunately, FLEXnet Connect has a pricing model and architecture that will scale to fit any software provider. From a start-up organization to a billion-dollar enterprise, anyone can find significant value by ensuring that users have the latest in software updates and application data while learning more about adoption rates than they ever thought possible.
To begin building an update solution for your business or learn more about this unique service, contact a representative today.
Back to TopWhat happens after I purchase a Macrovision Hosted FLEXnet Connect License?
Because FLEXnet Connect is a Web-based service, there is no software to install on your desktop. Rather, you will receive access to FLEXnet Connect Web site.
Included with your license:
- Ability to distribute an unlimited number of updates
- Ability to the use the service on an unlimited number of products
- 24x7 access to FLEXnet Connect Web site to publish new updates and view usage reporting
- All enhancements to FLEXnet Connect throughout your license period
How do you measure unique users?
When a user accesses the FLEXnet Connect Notification Server, FLEXnet Connect generates a unique code {GUID} on the user's PC. If one user uses multiple software packages from a single vendor, they will still be tracked as a single user. Each time the user access FLEXnet Connect, that code is transmitted to the FLEXnet Connect Notification Server. FLEXnet Connect does not collect any personally identifiable information.
Back to TopWhat happens if I go over my purchased number of users?
If you go over your number of purchased users, you will need to purchase more users for your current license. For example, lets say you purchased 5,000 users and suddenly find yourself with 9,000 active users. This isn't all bad, as having more customers than expected is a nice problem to have. In this case, you need to purchase more users for your current license. To do this, you will pay the difference between your purchased 5,000 user license and cost of a 10,000 user license. Please contact your Product Consultant for more details.
Back to TopCan't I just build my own updating solution?
Software updating is more complex than copying files from the Internet to the local PC.
Additional considerations include:
- checking for Internet connectivity
- reading and using custom proxy settings
- determining which version of your product is installed
- determining which updates are published for the users product and version
- displaying only updates that have not already been applied
- displaying a user interface in 33 languages
- downloading the updates using check point restart logic
- verifying the integrity of the downloaded file
- running update installations of various formats (EXE, MSI, MSP, OCI, JAR)
With FLEXnet Connect, Macrovision has already done the work for you. Why spend many months building your own partial solution, when you can have a complete update solution at a fraction of the cost that can be implemented in hours?
Back to TopCan FLEXnet Connect be used to update third-party applications like Office?
Yes – FLEXnet Connect can be used to update any type of application or suite of applications. While integrating the FLEXnet Connect into an application allows developers to maximize the features of the product, it can also be used stand-alone manage any third-party products or solutions.
Back to TopIs FLEXnet Connect part of InstallShield and InstallAnywhere installer tools?
FLEXnet Connect is a new service that works with all Macrovision's current installer tools, but it is not a part of the installation tools. It is integrated with these products, making the process of deploying FLEXnet connected applications as easy as a single click, but they are not required for deployment.
Back to TopFrom which type of application can I call FLEXnet Connect?
FLEXnet Connect can be called via the command line, through a COM interface, or through a Java API. Therefore your application can be written in almost any programming language (Visual C++, Visual Basic, Delphi, VB Script, Java, etc.) and still use FLEXnet Connect.
Back to TopDo you support HTTPS?
Yes. If you prefer to host your updates on a secure server, FLEXnet Connect will create a secure connection for the download of your update.
Back to TopCan I self-host the entire FLEXnet Connect?
Yes. FLEXnet Connect is available as a self-hosted solution for companies without access to the Internet. Please contact please contact PDS sales representative for more information.
Back to TopWhat languages do you support?
FLEXnet Connect supports 33 runtime languages. FLEXnet Connect will automatically display all its runtime strings in your application's language. FLEXnet Connect will also allow you to enter your update messages in your application's language making the entire update experience appear in the same language as your application.
Back to TopI develop software for internal use within my company. Can FLEXnet Connect help me deliver updates to those applications?
Yes. FLEXnet Connect lets you send applications, updates, and patches to any system running your software, from co-workers in your department to employees in branch offices or working remotely from home. FLEXnet Connect is the ideal solution for managing the lifecycle of your internally developed programs.
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