The base license that is provided with your system includes the
use of its basic functions. However, extra licenses can also be purchased to expand the
capabilities. Each system model or software version supports different licensing options and
types of licensing. The management GUI displays options that are available to your specific
model and software version. Verify the licensing support for your model or software
version to determine additional requirements for support. Administrators are responsible for
purchasing extra licenses and configuring the systems within the license agreement, which
includes configuring the settings of each licensed function on the system.
The system supports enclosure-based licensing, where some functions are licensed according to the
number of enclosures in a system that are permitted to use a licensed function. Other functions,
like encryption, are key-based licenses. Key-based licenses require an authorization code and key to
be downloaded to the system before the function can be used.
The system supports the following licensed functions:
- External Virtualization
- The system does not require a license for its own enclosures; however, a license is required
for each enclosure of any external systems that are being virtualized. Data can be migrated from
existing storage systems to your system that uses the external virtualization function within 90
days of purchase of the system without purchase of a license. After 90 days, any ongoing use of the
external virtualization function requires a license for each enclosure in each external system. The
system does not require an external virtualization license for external enclosures that are only
being used to provide managed disks for a quorum disk and are not providing any capacity for
volumes.
- Remote Mirroring
- The remote-mirroring function configures a relationship between two volumes. This function
mirrors updates that are made to one volume to another volume. The volumes can be in the same system
or on two different systems. The remote-mirroring function is licensed per enclosure. It allows the
use of remote-mirroring functions on the total number of enclosures that are licensed. The total
number of enclosures must include the enclosures on external storage systems that are licensed for
virtualization and the number of enclosures that are part of your local system. The license settings
apply only to the system on which you are configuring license settings. For remote-copy
partnerships, a license is also required on any remote systems that are in the partnership.
- Compression
- Compression is a separately orderable license that is set on a per enclosure basis. One license
is required for each control or expansion enclosure. For system models that support external
virtualization, all enclosures on these virtualized storage systems also need a compression license.
With the compression function, data is compressed as it is written to disk, saving extra capacity
for the system.
Note: Real-time compression remains an optional license for some system
models to create compressed volumes within standard pools.
- Encryption
- Encryption function ensures that data is encrypted to protect data from being read and
intercepted. The system supports encryption through a key-based license. Key-based licensing
requires an authorization code to activate encryption on the system. Encryption is activated on a
per system basis and an active license is required for each control enclosure that uses encryption.
During system setup, the system detects any attached enclosures and applies the license to these
enclosures. If more control enclosures are added and require encryption, more encryption licenses
need to be purchased and activated.
In addition to these licenses, enclosure licenses are also required for the Easy Tier® and FlashCopy® functions on certain models of systems. These two functions are not tracked by the
system and do not require any additional input to operate. For auditing purposes, retain the license
agreement for proof of compliance.