Do I need a sentinel key to use ArcGIS or ERDAS IMAGINE?

ArcGIS and ERDAS IMAGINE both use a third-party licensing manager to authenticate software license access. If your computer has a connection to the Indiana University network, use the UITS central license service for GIS software. If you need ArcGIS or ERDAS IMAGINE for a computer without an Internet connection, install and configure your own license manager for that computer.

For local license management in ArcGIS and ERDAS IMAGINE, you can use either a USB sentinel key or a keyless license:

• Sentinel key: You should use a sentinel key if you would like to use one ArcGIS or ERDAS IMAGINE license on several computers. In addition to your purchase of ArcGIS or ERDAS IMAGINE, sentinel keys require a one-time fee: $50 for ArcGIS and $120 for ERDAS IMAGINE.

  You can order GIS and remote sensing software using the UITS GIS License System (requires CAS login).

  Once you install the application and its license manager, you can move the sentinel key to the computer you would like to use. Because the license is associated with the key, it will work on any computer that has the application installed, the sentinel key plugged in, and the local license manager running.

  Note: If your computer hibernates when using a sentinel key, you will have to manually restart the local license service after turning your computer back on.

• Keyless license: A keyless license is locked to one machine, so you do not have to unplug a sentinel key, keep track of the key during travels, or manually start the local license manager if the key gets disconnected. With a keyless license, the license service is always on and always available for you to use with that specific machine.

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