Questions about SystemLink TDM licensing

[JKSH]

The SystemLink TDM suite is spread across a number of different licenses, for example:

1. (P/N: 787341-35) SYSTEMLINK TDM DATA PREPARATION ADD-ON
2. (P/N: 787337-35) SYSTEMLINK TDM ANALYSIS ADD-ON
3. (P/N: 787332-35) SYSTEMLINK TDM DATAFINDER MODULE USER (5 seats)

I understand that #1 and #2 are activated on the server machine to enable the TDM services.

I'm less sure about how #3 works. Is it meant to be activated on the server machine too? Or is it to be activated on the client machines? (I presume it's the server since the service web-based)

Also, how does the seat allocation work? If I've got a 5-seat license, does the server allow 5 separate users to connect simultaneously, and reject the 6th? Will User #6 be able to connect after one of the others disconnects?

[JKSH]

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@JKSH wrote:

I'm less sure about how #3 works. Is it meant to be activated on the server machine too? Or is it to be activated on the client machines? (I presume it's the server since the service web-based)

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I found the answer for this part: When my client started using the Data Navigator, it kicked off the evaluation countdown on the server. Thus, the "DataFinder Module User" license is meant to be activated on the server.

I'd still appreciate some insight on how seat allocation works, thanks.

[Hooovahh]

I don't have any answers but just wanted to say that we too are confused about the licensing scheme with DIadem, DataFinder, and SystemLink.  We recently renewed our VLA and management was asking questions about the purpose of various line items like the ones you mentioned and I didn't have answers about what they are and why we need them, other than NI said so.  As the resident NI expert that didn't sit too well.

[cici_p]

Hi JKSH and Hooovahh,

The TDM Data Preparation Add-On activates the Data Preparation application on the SystemLink Server. The TDM Analysis Add-On is similar in that it activates the Analysis Automation and Data Analysis application on the SystemLink Server.

The TDM DataFinder Module User (licensed on the server side) activates the access of Data Index and Data Navigator applications included in the SystemLink Server. The number of seats determines the number of simultaneous connections to a DataFinder instance. Once a user disconnects, it frees up the connection for another user. You can connect to the DataFinder instance via DIAdem or through the SystemLink web UI.

Best,

Cici

[Brad_Turpin]

Two extra details here:

You can also connect to the SystemLink DataFinder from LabVIEW using the "DataFinder" VIs in the "Connectivity" palette.  These used to be sold as a toolkit with a deployment license, but from LabVIEW 2019 onward these VIs ship with each LabVIEW installer, and SystemLink handles the usage licensing (no more deployment license required to pass around a LabVIEW built application).

You can also connect to the SystemLink DataFinder by calling its web service (http) api from any compiler or browser that can issue them.

Brad Turpin

Principal Technical Support Engineer

National Instruments