Cradle is a modular product. Each module has its own set of Cradle licences. These licences are floating and dynamic. This means that the licences are not locked to a specific user and they are not locked to a specific PC or Linux machine. This means that the licences are designed to be shared across as many people as possible, so that you need as few licences as possible.
Named user licences are a simple way of working in a small team. Cradle’s variants support single user,named user and enterprise editions. Additionally there are facilities for SaaS and subscription options. A single user licence is just what it says, it is for one person on one machine. When there are multiple users of a system, it is usual for the server to reside on one machine and the clients on user’s desktops. In a full enterprise version you can install as many clients as you need and simultaneously use the number of clients purchased in your licence.
Named user licensing is a way of having a team of engineers, working on a project, but (now don’t tell our boss this, but tell yours) at a lower cost.
The restriction being that each of the users is named and locked to the licence. So whilst you could install numerous clients only those login names would be allowed to connect to the server.
We realise that staff can change, and with each maintenance renewal you can make any changes you like. If you purchase extra licences you can also change the users for free. 3SL reserve the right to charge for more frequent alterations.
It’s all in a file (and the security code)
The named users are contained in a file. If you have system level access to the Cradle installation all you need to do is drop the new file in. If you change the number of users you would also have to configure a new security code.
Unlike other software tools the licences in Cradle are concurrent usage licences. It is, therefore, quite possible to have fewer licences than you have people and still be able to do everything you need.
If some of your engineers are involved in writing requirements and others writing tests, there may be no need for them to open the systems engineering diagrams. Why pay for a licence they are not going to use? That’s not to say they may not need to at some point, and as long as there is a licence free at that instance in time, they will be able to open the diagram too. Of course if you want to prevent a particular user ever consuming a licence then you can set module access rights to prevent them acquiring one.
Generally reporting using metrics and dashboards is an infrequent activity. Why have umpteen licences hanging around not being used? Exactly what we say. Don’t buy it if you don’t need it! (hint: It’s a Flexible Licence Model in Cradle)
Are you seriously telling me to spend less money?
Yep! We want you to be clear why Cradle is a better more cost effective choice for your business.
If the project focus changes and more people need metrics do I have to reinstall?
Nope! Just have a word with our sales team and they’ll have a new code prepared. Install this on the server, restart the Cradle Database Server and you have your new compliment of licences. That applies to any of the available modules.
I’m too big for a single user system, but not big enough to afford a full enterprise system, are there only the two options?
No! Falling into this ‘in-between ground’ or having difficulty explaining the benefits of a fully integrated lifecycle management tool to your bosses can be a problem. “Named user licensing”, sorts this out, giving significant cost savings. Instead of being able to have a large pool of engineers, any of whom can seek a connection to the database and acquire a module licence, named user systems lock the connections to a set of named users.
I guess I then have to spend bucket loads of money on upgrades and a premium help line?
No again! With enterprise systems you get as much support as necessary for a fixed annual maintenance fee, based on the size of your system. You get all patch and version releases free during this period.
What do I need to spend money on?
Not much! We offer free and comprehensive help information with your installation and online. We provide demonstration databases so you can see how things work and get up and running. However, if you want to hit the ground running and ensure all users run up the learning curve, we will tailor training courses for your individual needs. Again not a fixed price for teaching you everything in Cradle, you only pay for the parts pertinent to your business. If you want help to set up a database and project to match your business specific work model, then we can offer consultancy at a competitive rate.
What should I do?
Don’t delay, contact 3SL today. You can have a free webinar, a free evaluation and a chance to improve your product lifecycle.
Cradle (Enterprise edition)
Visit www.threesl.com for Cradle, the simple, flexible and scalable solution for your entire project needs! Ask about the enterprise flexible licence model in Cradle.
All Cradle licences are configured by 3SLSecurity Codes. This new Security Code must be installed on the host running the CDS (Cradle Database Server). It does not need to be installed on any machines were Cradle clients are installed.
Security Codes are in the file:
$CRADLEHOME\.c_config – Linux
%CRADLEHOME%\c_config.dat (usually c:\Program Files\Cradle\c_config.dat) – Windows
WARNING: Please be careful NOT to change any part of this file! If you do, you can easily prevent your Cradle system from working!
The Security Code contains the Cradle system’s serial number that identifies the Cradle system, and provides some basic information about it. The composition of the serial number is:
Composition of Security Code
The serial number contains the system sequence number that is the unique identifier of the Cradle system. The serial number itself may change if, for example, you purchase additional licences to increase the number of simultaneous users that the system will support, but the system sequence number within the serial number will remain unchanged.
To obtain the serial number of your Cradle system (on Linux) at any time, enter the following command: c_serial
Installing Security Codes on Windows
Shut down all Cradle tools and servers
Select Cradle Utilities > New Security Code from the Windows Start menu:
Security Code Configuration Utility
Copy and paste the Security Code into the Security Code Configuration Utility dialog and select Decode
If the decoded details are correct, click Configure to apply the new Security Code
Once this is complete, you should reboot the machine, or (if not possible) restart the Cradle servers
Installing Security Codes on Linux
Shut down all Cradle tools and servers
Run the following command, you can then restart the CDS and CWS servers:
It is easy to see who, using what, where from the Users report in Project Manager. This details the host system user name, their Cradle login name and the project they are connected to.
Why is there an Executing Client and Display Client shown?
These would show different values if your system is set to have the executable running on one machine with the UI redirected to another. For example a Windows® user may remotely log on to a Linux® machine, and start WorkBench, viewing the output on a Windows X terminal emulation. The machine running the Cradle Database Server may be a third machine.
User Report
Additional brief information detailing which module licences they currently have in use is also given. For full details on the licence usage users would run the Licence Usage report.
Has your project grown? Is it too big for a single user? Do you need to work in an enterprise environment?
When you first start with a project you may just need one person working away at the initial Requirements (single-user environment). However, when more stakeholders, designers, reviewers and managers join (an enterprise environment) the installation needs to grow.
The good news is that in Cradle this is simply a reconfiguration of your Cradle licence for an Enterprise version and then you can all carry on with the same project.
Cradle is supported on whichever platform your business uses. Cradle WorkBench will run on Linux/Windows Cradle Database Server (CDS) is equally at home on a Linux or Windows box. Of course Web Access is available wherever you browser runs. As you can see from the screenshots there is no need for users to learn a new UI between versions.
Windows or Linux
Convert Later?
Yes absolutely you can convert between versions. That’s great news for your IT department, if they decide to change the server machine they’ll need to port the data across to the new installation and then chat to salesdetails@threesl.com to obtain a new licence.
We are pleased to announce that Cradle is now available as SaaS through G-Cloud 8 for agile and phase-based projects.
We are offering a range of packaged #SaaS services that include #Cradle licences, a pre-defined schema and intensive support from #3SL for both unclassified (IL0) and OFFICIAL (certified IL3) deployments:
– Agile Collaboration – Agile Software Development – Agile Software Management – Application Lifecycle Development – Application Lifecycle Management – Business Analysis – Business Process Modelling – Requirements Management – Systems Engineering
