Question about iLok

[jpoprock]

Since I just got myself a Micro for mixing. I was wondering something about iLok. I SHOULD know the answer, but I don't. And please don't scold me for it....

Since I own many diff plugin that are auth'd on my iLok, mm I able to install them on my 2nd Mac also, so that I can insert my iLok and have access to them?

I guess I'm not sure what the purpose of having an iLok is exactly? It's basically a portable Challenge/Response device that's a million times more likely to be lost or stolen? Ah... the Zero Downtime Program... I gotcha. HA! But really... I guess I don't understand the whole iLok thing. I just know I need one, so I have one.

j

[jhamrick]

you answered your own question...

Your iLok is your portable licenses to run software. The software can be installed on any system and by pluging in your iLok it will run on any system. The catch is that the iLok has to stay plugged in while using the software...

If you lost the iLok you would have to purchase another, but your licenses are stored in a safe place on the iLok server which you could download to a new iLok device.

[citi]

actually, it doesn't need to be plugged in the whole time. Just when you start up protools.

[stoneinapond]

actually, it doesn't need to be plugged in the whole time. Just when you start up protools.

And just to be clear, that's every time you start up PT.

[citi]

And just to be clear, that's every time you start up PT.

correct

[jhamrick]

Good thing I chimed in... I was misinformed and was misinforming others, glad to put a stop to that. That is the last time I listen to a sales guy again (passing the buck).

Great information... Is iLok insuance about the same cost as auto insurance?

I know, look it up on the web!!!

Thanks again for the great information.

[DigiTechSupt]

If you lost the iLok you would have to purchase another, but your licenses are stored in a safe place on the iLok server which you could download to a new iLok device.

Actually, that is not the case. The iLok itself contains the authorizations and, if you lose it, you cannot just buy a new iLok and get your authorizations back. You would have to re-purchase the plug-ins that are authorized by the iLok.

You should insure your iLok for the replacement value of any plug-ins on it.

The iLok website just stores information about what is on the iLok, not the authorizations themselves.

[stoneinapond]

Well according to iLok, authorizations for most plug-ins can be reloaded onto a new iLok if you have the following (which I do).

Zero Downtime

The only bad thing about that is that Waves and several other manufacturers do not subscribe to program. So insurance is definitely something you should have even with or without the above.

[DigiTechSupt]

Well according to iLok, authorizations for most plug-ins can be reloaded onto a new iLok if you have the following (which I do).

Zero Downtime

The only bad thing about that is that Waves and several other manufacturers do not subscribe to program. So insurance is definitely something you should have even with or without the above.

That is only the case with a broken iLok - if you lose your iLok or it's stolen and you have Zero Downtime, you'll be able to get the temp licenses, but since PACE cannot verify any auths (since you have no iLok to send to them), they cannot provide replacement auths. In this case, you would have to repurchase the plug-ins - and the reason you want to have your iLok insured for replacement value of those plug-ins.

[jpoprock]

It seems weird to me that if I lost or had my iLok broken, that I'd have to re-purchase all the plugins that I've already purchased and own, just because I lost a $40 plastic key. That seems like extortion almost! Why can't you just buy a new iLok and then maybe pay a fee per plugin to transfer the old auth's to the new?

I just can't wrap my mind around why I should have to insure my plugins, when I already own them and paid for them in full? I can understand having to repurchase them if you lost say the installer file and more importantly your license info... cuz then you would have any proof of purchase at all. But to have to spend $2000 on buying new plugins if I lost my ilok is just ridiculous to me.

I though the iLok was supposed to be a device of convenience and copy protection. The reprocusions of losing it or breaking it sure seem severe. You'd think if it were so important, they would have made it out of something other than plastic. If I accidentally stepped on it, I'm SOL. A $2000 accident, rather than a $40 one.

UNLESS of course I'm not understanding something here...

j