To run the runtime, it is necessary to license it. (This does not apply for MiniPLC, where licence is bound to the IPLC200 or IPLC300 hardware and general licensing procedures would only make life more difficult.) Licences are of two types:

• hardware key
  It connects to a serial port of the station where the runtime is installed. The key is transparent which means that on the same serial port the I/O module bus or another comm bus may be connected. Set the port number to connect the key set in the runtime parameters (Options): uncheck the “Do not use HW key” item.

  Hardware keys do not need any activation etc., they are transferrable. They mostly are used for commissioning, temprary installations, and runtimes where process station hardware change is expected or the licence activation process will not be possible to complete (internet not available etc.).

• software licence
  This is the most common way of licensing. Software licence is bound to a particular piece of hardware after activation. To activate your licence proceed as follows:
  - order the SoftPLC licence through your sales channel. Some hardware items already contain a SoftPLC runtime licence, such as IPCTL.1 - see price list or Product overview
  - you receive a licence file (.licnum) which contains an unique licence number
  - after the SoftPLC runtime is installed, run the installation hub at the target hardware and select Create HW image. Enter or read from the .licnum file the licence number
  - program generates the licence request file (.licreq)
  - activate the licence over the internet at https://licenses.rcware.eu - follow the hints
  - the activation process results in downloading of the .licact file, which has to be copied into the directory where the runtime is installed
  - in the runtime parameters (Options) set “Do not use HW key”, i.e. the software licensing is used
  - at Windows XP Embedded do not forget to save data permanently on disk (Commit CF) and restart the runtime.

The SCADA package RcWare Vision proceedings are easier: after your licence has been ordered, you receive two files which have to be copied into the RcWare directory, typically C:\Program Files\RcWare.