This license file specifies the available BIRT iHub license options and node-key information for the cluster nodes. This license file must be in a shared location, specified by the <AC_CONFIG_HOME> attribute of the <Server> element in the acpmdconfig.xml file of each node, and accessible to all nodes in the cluster.

A node key associates a BIRT iHub node in a cluster with the machine ID. The node‑key licensing mechanism restricts the iHub node installation to that machine.

On startup, each node in the cluster checks the shared license file, verifies the installed options, and determines whether its node key, which is generated at run time, matches the license information. If the node key matches, the node joins the cluster. Otherwise, it shuts down with an error if the node-lock-violation grace period has been exceeded.

A license file with an expiration date remains valid until the specified date. If the license file is about to expire, the system reminds you that the file expires on the specified date when you log in to System Console or Information Console. Reminders also appear in the system log file. To arrange for a permanent license file, or if you have a problem with an expiring file, please contact Actuate Licensing at licensing@actuate.com.

When upgrading a cluster node or installing BIRT iHub on a new machine, the customer must request a new license and supply the machine ID of the new machine.