Is the software through KeyServer available only to faculty and staff or the entire BGSU community?

Keyed software applications (which can be found on the BGSU Software Server) are available ONLY for use on university-owned desktop computers (i.e., systems in campus labs and offices). Keyed software is not available to students in residential hall rooms or off-campus clients.

How does ITS determine there are an adequate number of software packages to meet demand?

We analyze weekly utilization statistics to see what queues developed and how long the wait was. If there was a wait for any software, ITS will make the decision of whether or not to purchase additional licenses.

Why do some newly-installed, keyed program still ask for serial numbers? Isn't the whole point of KeyServer to handle serial numbers internally?

After installing a keyed program, it may ask for a serial number when launched for the first time. The serial number will be in the "READ ME" file located near the program's installer on the BGSU Software Server. This will happen only when the keyed application you wish to install is located inside a folder. If the application is not located in a folder and has a stand-alone installer, then the installer is completely automated and no serial number or installation read me is needed.

What happens if KeyServer crashes?

Whenever the KeyServer goes down, either scheduled or unscheduled, the KeyShadows take over automatically. Additionally, if a major network problem were to occur, the local KeyShadow would take over. A KeyShadow acts as a KeyServer until the actual KeyServer is restored to working order.

There are some instances when keyed applications will be temporarily unavailable. The computer in question must be able to connect to the file server (e.g. the network has to be up). If the entire network of a given building is down (if the hub is not operational, for example) then the network wouldn't function there and the KeyServer or KeyShadow would no longer be connected to any computers in that building as long as that situation exists. Again, this does not happen often.