TestComplete supports two license types: Node-Locked and Floating User --
- The Node-locked User license will support TestComplete use on a single computer in your network. You can only run one instance of TestComplete on the licensed computer at a time.
- The Floating User license will support TestComplete use on multiple computers in your network. The number of concurrent instances of TestComplete running at any one time may not exceed the number of floating seats licensed.
The legal details can be found in our EULA.
To activate licenses and control their usage, TestComplete employs a License Manager. For a Node-Locked license, the License Manager is installed along with TestComplete, while the Floating User license, a License Manager can be installed along with TestComplete or as a standalone utility on another computer like a server.
An important factor is that Node-Locked licenses cannot be activated on virtual machines. For Floating User licenses this means that you can run TestComplete on virtual machines, but you cannot use virtual machines for hosting the license manager. If you need to run automated tests on virtual machines, you have to either use the Floating User license, or use TestExecute.
The following table summarizes the differences between the licenses:
| Node-Locked | Floating User |
Product Usage |
| The license is installed, activated and used only on one computer. | A license is activated on one computer (License Manager PC). TestComplete can run on any computer in your organization (including those that are in other sub-networks). |
| Only one instance of TestComplete can be running at a time on a computer. | Multiple TestComplete instances can be running at a time on different workstations. The number of allowed concurrent instances is specified by the license key. |
| Suitable for QA teams that use TestComplete on a regular basis on their computers. | Suitable for QA teams that use TestComplete on different computers regularly, or from time to time. Ideal for QA teams that work with time shifts or after-hours. |
| Suitable for individual users and small QA teams. | Suitable for both small and large teams. For large teams this type of license is recommended. |
Ease of installation and activation |
| You activate the license on each computer, where TestComplete is installed. | You only have to activate the license on the License Manager PC. No activation is needed on other workstations. To create and run automated tests, just install TestComplete on them. |
| The license supports both automatic and manual activation. | The license supports both automatic and manual activation. |
Running automated tests on virtual PCs, in clouds and in other virtual environments |
| Not supported. To run tests, use either Floating User license, or TestExecute. The TestComplete Enterprise and Universal Node-Locked packages include TestExecute instances. You can also purchase TestExecute as a standalone product. | Supported. The License Manager PC must be a physical computer or a server. |
Using in Citrix environments and Remote Desktop connections* |
| You can use TestComplete in one user session at a time. To use the product in multiple sessions, use either a Floating User license, or TestExecute. | TestComplete can be used in multiple user sessions at a time. The number of allowed instances is determined by the license key. |
| * You may install TestComplete on a server and then use TestComplete in terminal or Remote Desktop user sessions. |
Price |
| Lower cost per user. | You pay for the licenses that will work concurrently (no payments for “idle” instances). |
For more information about licenses or if you need help choosing which license type, email us at sales@smartbear.com or call us at +1 (978) 236-7900 and select option 2 for sales.