In this article
Sassafras KeyServer is a license server solution available for institutions and organizations that own Max and RNBO licenses. This article addresses some of the common questions about how the system works with Max and RNBO.
What is KeyServer?
The Sassafras KeyServer authorization scheme is a way to parse out a specific number of authorizations to a large collection of machines on a server. It acts like a library where one machine holds the total number of authorizations and any machine on the network may "check out" a license. Once the software is closed and no longer in use, it returns the authorization back to the pot where it may then be used by another machine.
What does KeyServer cost?
There is no extra fee due to Cycling '74 after your regular Max or RNBO purchase to set up KeyServer. However, using KeyServer does require a subscription to Sassafras KeyServer, which is developed and maintained by Sassafras Software and is in no way affiliated with Cycling 74. Please check the Sassafras website for their fees.
Is there a special version of Max or RNBO for KeyServer?
If your school/organization owns Max 7 (or later), then there is not a special version. You download the current version of Max, and request a Max KeyServer File for your school/organization.
If your school/organization owns Max 6.1.10 (or earlier), then there is a special version. To receive the download information, fill out this form.
In order to use RNBO, you will have to use Max 8.5 or later, and you will have to request a RNBO KeyServer File.
What do I need to run a KeyServer version of Max/RNBO?
In addition to your KeyServer running on some machine on your network, you need to install the KeyClient software from Sassafras on all machines that will be running Max/RNBO. Please check their website to ensure you have the latest version (6.0.2.5 or later); Max may not work with earlier versions. In addition, the computer running Max/RNBO needs to be connected to the network so it can communicate with your KeyServer.
If I've already authorized Max/RNBO using the online authorization, can I still switch to the KeyServer option?
Yes. Contact support@cycling74.com to switch you over to the KeyServer option.
Can I authorize subscription licenses and full licenses of Max/RNBO from the same server?
KeyServer only handles 1 license type for any product at one time. If your institution/organization has a combination of full and subscription licenses, we can issue a single file with the total number of seats that will expire when the subscription expires. You will have to request a new file when you renew or cancel the subscription to reflect the correct number of license seats.
What products are available for KeyServer?
All versions of Max starting with Max 4.5 are available for KeyServer. This includes product extensions such as MSP, Jitter and Gen. RNBO is also available for KeyServer.
How do I submit a KeyServer authorization request?
If your school/organization owns Max 7 (or later), download the current version of Max, and request a Max KeyServer File for your school/organization.
If your school/organization owns Max 6.1.9 (or earlier), you must first receive the download information. To do so, fill out this form.
If your school/organization owns RNBO, download the current version of Max (must be 8.5 or greater), and request a RNBO KeyServer File for your school/organization.
If I authorize Max via KeyServer, can I authorize RNBO via a different system?
No. RNBO must be authorized via the same system as Max. If your Max licenses are authorized via KeyServer, then your RNBO licenses must also be authorized via KeyServer. Please note that in order to authorize both Max and RNBO via KeyServer, you will have to request and install two KeyServer files, one for Max and one for RNBO.