Installing GeoStudio software in a Virtual Environment

Mar 29, 2023

This article describes the various items to consider when preparing to run GeoStudio software in a virtual environment.

GeoStudio Software in a Virtual Environment

GeoStudio allows the use of published software in a virtual environment.
Virtual environments include (among others) virtual machines and cloud computing environments.
Published software includes GeoStudio and the lmadmin license manager.

Software Requirements

GeoStudio software is designed to run on the Microsoft Windows computing platform. So long as your virtual environment runs Windows, you can install and run GeoStudio software.
GeoStudio software makes use of Graphical User Interface components. The Windows Server Core option should be avoided.
Different versions of GeoStudio software have different operating system requirements and limitations. For details regarding a specific version of GeoStudio software, please refer to the individual downloads page for each product:

GeoStudio software licenses are available in different forms.
Each operating system instance requires a license seat of GeoStudio.
Standalone licenses cannot be shared by multiple users connecting to a single operating system instance.
Network licenses are available via the lmadmin license manager.
Cloud based licenses are available via Bentley Connect or Seequent ID.
- Cloud based licenses are associated with a user account rather than a single operating system instance.
- An account can access its subscriptions on one computer at a time.
Please refer to the License Options link for details about the various licensing options.
Depending on your license configuration and operating system, you should consider the following:

Changes to your virtual environment can result in a significant change in the unique virtual machine digital signature.
- Some examples include:
  - Load balancing.
  - Re-hosting.
  - Restoring snapshots.
  - Recovering from failure.
- Before any such changes, first return your activation license.
- Once the changes are completed, re-activate the license with your existing serial number.
- *If you are unable to return the license, GeoStudio Support can assist you.
Activation licenses require an internet connection.
Perpetual activation license data expires yearly.
- The software is designed to automatically update license data before the expiry date.
- This requires an active internet connection.
Uninstalling GeoStudio software does not remove the license data. The activated license should be returned before uninstalling.
If GeoStudio software licenses are not returned before uninstalling, simply re-install the software and return the license.

Certificate licenses require an accompanying license file.
- The license data expires yearly.
- The software is designed to automatically update license data before the expiry date.
- This requires an active internet connection.
If the virtual machine does not have an internet connection, you will need to manually download and copy the license file to the virtual machine. License file data can be obtained by entering your serial number on the Find My License page on our website.
USB Dongle Licenses:
- USB dongle pass-through is a function of the host environment and may be available through 3rd party solutions.
- GeoStudio Support does not provide assistance with troubleshooting USB pass-through issues.
Host ID Certificates:
- Certificate licenses can be bound to the machine Host ID in a virtual environment.
- The only Host ID we bind to on a virtual machine is the VM_UUID.
- A virtual machine MAC address will not be accepted.
- GeoStudio Support can assist you with providing the VM_UUID.
- Changes to your virtual environment can result in a change to the VM_UUID.
  - Some examples include:
    - Load balancing.
    - Re-hosting.
    - Restoring snapshots.
    - Recovering from failure.
  - After these types of changes, you will need to provide an updated VM_UUID to GEOSLOPE Support to update your license.