> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.nalpeiron.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.nalpeiron.com/zentitle2-docs/ui-entitlements/using-entitlements/how-activations-work.md). # How Activations Work License activation is the process where your software connects to Zentitle's licensing system to verify that you have a valid license to use the product. The system authenticates the user, locates available entitlements, and allocates license seats based on intelligent priority rules. ### Overview When a user attempts to activate software, the system: 1. **Verifies the user's credentials** (activation code, username/password, or SSO token) 2. **Finds available entitlements** that match their request 3. **Applies priority rules** to determine the best available license seat 4. **Activates the seat** and allows software access ### Activation Methods Zentitle supports three different activation methods to accommodate various organizational needs: #### 1. Activation Codes **Best for:** Simple deployment, trial licenses, or distributed teams * Customer receives a code like `ABC-123-XYZ` * They enter this code when starting the software * System finds their license and activates a seat #### 2. Username/Password **Best for:** Organizations wanting centralized user management without IT infrastructure * Users receive invitation emails to create accounts on the [End User Portal (EUP)](/zentitle2-docs/ui-administration/configuration/end-user-portal.md) * EUP handles password creation, recovery, and user authentication * Users log in to the application with their EUP credentials * System automatically finds and activates their assigned licenses #### 3. Single Sign-On (SSO) **Best for:** Large enterprises with corporate identity systems * Users authenticate through their company's SSO system (like Microsoft Azure AD/ Google etc.) * System receives a secure token proving their identity * Automatically finds and activates their assigned licenses * Provides enterprise-grade security with seamless user experience For more information check [Account Based Licensing (Identity-based licensing)](/zentitle2-docs/ui-administration/configuration/account-based-licensing-identity-based-licensing.md) page. ### Smart Priority System When multiple users compete for limited license seats, Zentitle uses an intelligent priority system to ensure fair and efficient seat allocation. #### Priority Rankings **Rank 4 - Highest Priority: Existing Users** * Users who already have an active seat keep it when refreshing * Prevents disruption to ongoing work * *Example: Sarah is working in AutoCAD. When her license refreshes, she keeps her seat even if others are waiting* **Rank 3 - High Priority: Regular Seats** * Uses purchased seats first, before any overdraft seats * Ensures customers get full value from their license purchase * *Example: Company bought 5 seats, only 3 are used. New user gets one of the 2 remaining regular seats* **Rank 2 - Medium Priority: Recycled Seats** * Reuses seats from users who haven't been active recently * Maximizes license utilization without additional costs * *Example: John's seat expired 2 hours ago (laptop was offline). New user can take his seat* **Rank 1 - Lower Priority: Limited Overdraft** * Uses extra seats if the license allows, with usage tracking * Provides flexibility during peak usage while maintaining compliance * *Example: 5-seat license allows 2 extra seats during busy periods* **Rank 0 - Lowest Priority: Unlimited Overdraft** * Uses as many extra seats as needed (typically for evaluation periods) * Helps customers understand actual needs before purchasing * *Example: Trial license allows unlimited users to test software* **Rank -1 - Filtered Out: Edition Mismatch** * When users specify an edition, only matching licenses are considered * Prevents accidentally using wrong license types * Ensures users get the features they paid for ### Activation Examples #### Simple Case: Available Seats **Scenario:** 10-seat AutoCAD license with 3 seats currently used **Process:** 1. User Mike enters activation code `CAD-2024-PRO` 2. System finds matching entitlement with available regular seats 3. Mike receives seat #4 out of 10 4. **Result:** Straightforward activation using purchased seats #### Seat Recycling **Scenario:** 4-seat Engineering CAD license, fully used, but one user has been offline for 3 hours **Process:** 1. New user Jennifer tries to activate 2. System identifies expired seat from offline user 3. Jennifer receives the recycled seat 4. **Result:** Maximizes license utilization; previous user must reactivate when returning #### Multiple Entitlements Selection **Scenario:** User has access to two Design Suite entitlements: * Entitlement A: 3/3 seats used, 1 overdraft available * Entitlement B: 7/10 seats used, unlimited overdraft **Process:** 1. User Alex logs in 2. System evaluates both available entitlements 3. Chooses Entitlement B (regular seats available) 4. **Result:** Alex gets seat #8 on Entitlement B, avoiding overdraft usage ### Working with Entitlement Groups When using [Entitlement Groups](/zentitle2-docs/ui-entitlements/entitlement-groups-bundles.md), activation behavior is based on `editionId`: #### Edition-Specific Activation When you specify an `editionId` in your activation request: * System looks for entitlements matching that exact edition * If multiple entitlements have the same edition, selects the first with available seats * **Does not fall back** to other editions if requested edition is unavailable #### Default Activation When no `editionId` is specified: * System finds the first suitable entitlement with available capacity * Uses the full priority ranking system described above * Maintains backward compatibility with existing integrations #### Activation Example **Scenario:** User needs PhotoShop Professional edition specifically **Available Entitlements:** * Standard edition: 6/8 seats available * Professional edition: 3/3 seats used, 1 overdraft available **Process:** 1. User Tom requests Professional edition (by providing `editionId`) 2. System filters out Standard edition (rank -1) 3. Uses overdraft seat from Professional entitlement 4. **Result:** Tom gets required Professional features, even though Standard had regular seats available ### Key Benefits #### For End Users * **Fair Access:** Existing users aren't randomly disconnected * **Maximum Value:** Regular seats used before expensive overdraft * **Flexibility:** Overdraft provides buffer during peak usage * **Transparency:** Clear understanding of activation priority #### For Administrators * **Predictable Usage:** Limited overdraft helps understand true customer needs * **License Optimization:** Smart recycling maximizes license value * **Reduced Support:** Clear priority rules minimize user confusion * **Explainable Decisions:** Every activation choice has a clear, logical reason #### For Support Teams * **Clear Diagnostics:** Activation logs show exactly why decisions were made * **Predictable Behavior:** Same configuration always produces same results * **Actionable Errors:** Error messages point to specific solutions --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. 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