FLEXlm Options File capabilities

How the Options File Is Used

The options file is an integral part of the FLEXlm license-management system, which is commonly used in corporate environments to manage floating software licenses more efficiently. For instance, with AutoDesk software, FLEXlm controls the AutoDesk Network License Manager and is responsible for optimizing the usage of software licenses. Since the options file controls how FLEXlm manages its resources, such as AutoDesk licenses, this file can be used to manage various aspects of AutoDesk Network License Manager as well.
Creating and Managing Options Files

When done manually, creating and managing the options file for a vendor daemon can be a complicated procedure. First, it is necessary to log into the server. Once logged into the server, it is possible to create and modify the vender's options file, which must be located in the same folder as the vender's executable file to function. The names for both of these files differ by vendor. With Autodesk software, for instance, the vendor daemon is "ADSKFLEX." Because of this, the options file is called "ADSKFLEX.opt," and the executable file is called "ADSKFLEX.exe."
The Capabilities of Options Files

With options files, license administrators are capable of specifying exactly how FLEXlm manages their systems' licenses and features. By modifying the contents of an options file, through either manual or automated means, license administrators are able to determine how certain options affect specific users, global users, and the licensing system. The options that can be changed to modify FLEXlm's operating parameters are:

EXCLUDE - Deny a user or group access to specific features
EXCLUDEALL - Deny a user or group access to every feature offered by the vendor daemon
GROUP - Place specific users into groups
INCLUDE - Grant a user or group access to specific features
INCLUDEALL - Grant a user or group access to every feature offered by the vendor daemon
MAX - Limit feature usage for specific users or groups
NOLOG - Disable the logging of certain information in the debug log
REPORTLOG - Specify whether or not a report log is written
RESERVE - Reserve licenses for specific users or groups
TIMEOUT - Specify the idle time required to trigger a certain feature's timeout cycle
TIMEOUTALL - Specify the idle time required to trigger a timeout cycle for all features

The Problem with Managing Options Files Manually

While the options file is a powerful license-management tool, manually modifying its contents is not recommended. Not only does it take a considerable amount of time to manually modify options files, this method has several drawbacks. The most significant problem with managing options files manually is that these files are not automatically updated when changes are made to the Active Directory (LDAP). Without a system that automatically synchronizes information between the LDAP and the options file, it is necessary to manually update the options file whenever a change is made to the LDAP.
How to Manage Options Files Effectively

In order to avoid potential issues and increase the efficiency of license management, it is best to modify options files with systems capable of synchronizing the LDAP with FLEXlm. License-management systems designed with this functionality in mind, systems such as Flexera FlexNet Manager and OpenLM Utilizer, ensure that any changes made to the LDAP are automatically made to the options file as well. Not only does automating this process save a great deal of time, it keeps the licensing system functioning correctly.
Conclusion

Options files make it possible to customize how FLEXlm operates, but modifying them manually is not easy. With the help of other license-management systems, options files can be accessed and modified in an easier, more efficient manner. Because of the numerous advantages that they offer over the manual approach, systems like OpenLM Utilizer and Flexera FlexNet Manager should be used to manage and modify the contents of options files.