This applies to products released prior to 1/1/2018 only.
Clients often wonder if they need ELM (Physical server) or ELM-Virtual Server Edition, or even if they need ELM at all.
This FAQ is designed to help you make the decision.
The edition of ELM you need is dependent on where the ELM is install, never where the products (OST, QB, DPC) are installed.
MAC Users
There are two methods for using Windows-based applications (such as On-Screen Takeoff (OST), Quick Bid (QB), and Digital Production Control (DPC)) on an Apple computer, Bootcamp and Virtualized.
Bootcamp
When you use Bootcamp to create a Windows 'partition' on your MAC, you have the option of using "Local" license codes to authorize OST, QB, and DPC. There is no need to use a license manager unless your organization decides ELM is the best way to manage its license inventory. You can even install ELM (Physical) within this environment because this is just a regular installation of Windows, running in its own partition on your MAC.
Virtualized
Products such as Parallels, VMWare Fusion, and other 'virtualizing' software create a 'virtual machine' within the MAC OSX environment where a user can run Windows-based applications. When you install OST, QB, or DPC in this environment, you are required to use a license manager, but you do not necessarily need to use the Virtual edition. It all depends on where you are going to install the license manager. At this time, ELM-Virtual Server Edition is not supported when running in a MAC environment unless you have a physical Windows machine to which the ELM can 'bind' (see ELM-Virtual Server Edition System Requirements for details). If you have a physical Windows machine, you can simply install the physical-machine based ELM, you do not need to Virtual edition, unless you must install the ELM on a virtual machine (the physical machine is still required for 'binding).
Regardless of the method you adopt, you are responsible for purchasing, installing, and configuring a Windows environment that meets On Center's System Requirements.
Running OST, QB, or DPC in a remote desktop environment (Citrix, Terminal Services, Remote Desktop Services, etc.)
Classic Products
Citrix, Terminal Services, Remote Desktop Services, and other similar products are services (system programs) that run on a server and allow multiple remote users to access applications or even the desktop of that server. For example, let’s say a client wants to centralize their users so they don’t have to manage 100 desktop installations of On-Screen Takeoff and/or Quick Bid. The client could install the products on a Citrix/TS-RDS server and publish the applications to their end users.
Each single user is running his or her own instance of the application and would require his or her own license (from license manager).
This does not mean that you are going to need ELM-Virtual Server Edition necessarily. Remember, it is where the License Manager is installed, not where you install the products, that determines which edition of ELM you need. We do not recommend putting your license manager on a Citrix, TS, or RDS server and it is important that you review the System Requirements for ELM or ELM-Virtual Server Edition before committing to anything.
Running ELM on a Virtual Server
This is somewhat obvious. If you want to install your license manage on a virtual server, you will need ELM-Virtual Server Edition. But, before you go and write your check to On Center for ELM, please be sure to review the System Requirements carefully. ELM-Virtual Server Edition v.1.1 requires a physical machine for 'binding' purposes. It's important that you understand the hardware and software requirements and what is involved with installation before you purchase a license manager (that goes for any company's license manager, by the way, not just On Center's).
All on-premise license managers are no longer sold or distributed by On Center/ConstructConnect. For an updated solution, contact your Customer Success Manager.
