FlexLM Options File: Defining Host_Group and Group and User

Option Files: Differences between Users, Groups, and Host_Groups for FlexLM

In FlexLM Options files, HOST_GROUP, GROUP, and USER are used to define different types of entities for license management. Here's the difference between them:

USER

• Definition: Specifies individual users by their usernames.
• Usage: Controls license access based on specific users.
• Example: If you want to allow or restrict access for specific users.

INCLUDE stk_mission_level1 USER bob alice john

GROUP

• Definition: Defines a group of users by their usernames.
• Usage: Manages licenses for a set of users collectively.
• Example: If you want to apply the same license rules to multiple users.

GROUP STKUsers bob alice john 

INCLUDE stk_mission_level1 GROUP STKUsers 

HOST_GROUP

• Definition: Defines a group of host machines by their hostnames.
• Usage: Manages licenses for a set of computers collectively.
• Example: If you want to control license usage based on the machine rather than individual users.

HOST_GROUP OfficeComputers host1 host2 host3 

INCLUDE stk_mission_level1 HOST_GROUP OfficeComputers 

When to Use Each Type

• USER: Use when you need to apply license controls to specific individuals. For example, giving a user named Bob access to a particular license.
• GROUP: Use when you need to apply the same rules to multiple users. For instance, allowing a team of developers to access certain features.
• HOST_GROUP: Use when you need to control access based on the machine's hostname. This is useful in environments where users may move between different machines, but you want to restrict licenses to specific computers.

By using USER, GROUP, and HOST_GROUP effectively, you can create flexible and powerful license management rules tailored to your organization's needs.