LithoTechnics - Metrix, the automatic layout calculator for commercial and gang run printing

Q: How do I install Metrix on a network to use with Metrix License Server?

Product:	Metrix
Version:	1.5, 1.6, 1.7
Operating System:	Windows XP or Windows 2000
Last Updated:	December 23, 2005

A: Using Metrix with the Metrix License Server allows customers the flexibility to run Metrix on any PC on the network, up to the number of concurrent licenses purchased. The Metrix License Server controls the number of concurrent users running Metrix at any one time.

There are 3 main programs used running Metrix in this way:

a. The Metrix License Server - the program that controls the number of Metrix clients that can run at any one time. Metrix License Server requires a dongle and a password to run.

b. The Metrix Database Server - the program that all Metrix clients communicate with to access the database.

c. Metrix - the client Metrix application that users interact with. This program can be installed on any number of PC's within the one physical site, but these PC's must all have network access to the PC with the Metrix License Server and the Database Server.

To install Metrix on a network in such a manner follow these steps:

1. Install the Metrix License Server Software

Firstly, install Metrix on the PC to be used for the Metrix License Server. This must be a PC with a static IP address accessible to all client PCs that will run Metrix. The License Server and the Database Server may be the same PC or they may be different PC's. Both the License Server and the Database Server may also run on one of the PC's that will run the Metrix client. The chosen configuration will differ from site to site.

Install Metrix, selecting 'Multi-User with Metrix License Server' at the 'Installation Type' step of the installer. When prompted, enter the static IP address of both the License and Database Servers and follow all other installer instructions.

2. Run the Metrix License Server

After installing on the License Server PC, attach the Metrix dongle and start the Metrix License Server by double clicking the shortcut icon wherever you selected to install it (defaults to the Desktop). Alternatively, the Metrix License Server may be started by double clicking the 'Start License Server.bat' file in the Metrix installation folder. The License Server runs in a console window (commonly known as a DOS window) which automatically minimizes itself when started. When first run you will be prompted for your passwords - enter your license passwords and click OK.

Note: After the passwords have been successfully entered the Metrix License Server creates a file in the Metrix installation folder called 'metrix.licenseServerKey'. This file will need to be copied into the Metrix installation folder of every client PC so it's a good idea to copy it to an accessible part of the network.

3. Install the Metrix Database Server Software

If you intend to use a different PC for the Database Server install Metrix on that PC. Again, this must be a PC with a static IP address accessible to all client PCs that will run Metrix.

4. Run the Metrix Database Server

After installing on the Database Server PC, start the Metrix Database Server by double clicking the shortcut icon wherever you selected to install it (defaults to the Desktop). Alternatively the Database Server may be started by double clicking the 'Start Data Server.bat' file in the Metrix installation folder. The Database Server runs in a console window (commonly known as a DOS window) which automatically minimizes itself when started.

5. Install the Metrix Client Software

Install Metrix on all desired client PC's selecting 'Multi-User with Metrix License Server' at the 'Installation Type' step of the installer. When prompted enter the static IP address of both the License and Database Server's and follow all other installation instructions.

6. Copy the License Server Key to Each Metrix Client

After or while installing Metrix on each client, copy the 'metrix.licenseServerKey' file, from the License Server installation folder into each client Metrix installation folder. The 'metrix.licenseServerKey' file was created when the passwords were first entered into the Metrix License Server. This step will have to be repeated if a new password is ever entered into the License Server, such as when going from an evaluation license to an unlimited license, or changing the number of concurrent users, as the License Server creates a new 'metrix.licenseServerKey' file for each new password.

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