Simcenter STAR-CCM+ Can I run a Simcenter STAR-CCM+ license server on a virtual machine?

A virtual machine is a computing resource that uses software to replicate the behavior of an actual physical computer. Some of the advantages of using virtual machines are the possibility of having several of them running on the same physical server. They also allow for the emulation of different architectures thus permitting the execution of software applications written for different systems. 

Due to the reasons above, there could be interest in running the license server for Simcenter STAR-CCM+ on a dedicated virtual machine.

It is indeed possible to run the Simcenter STAR-CCM+ license server on a virtual machine. However, there are some caveats regarding such a configuration.

Simcenter STAR-CCM+ license file is tied to a specific machine by both the host_name and the MAC address. For a physical machine, the MAC address remains constant as it refers to a specific, physical, network adapter that will not change unless you physically modify the hardware. 

 

Example of a License File

################################################################################
#                                                                              #
#                                                                              #
#                          Siemens PLM Software Inc.                           #
#                                 License File                                 #
#                                                                              #
#  Sold-To/Install: 1234567                    WebKey Access Code: ABC123DEF4  #
#     Contact Name: User s Name                           Created: 11/22/2017  #
#    Customer Name: COMPANY NAME                                               #
#   E-mail Address: user.name@company.com                 Version: 12.06       #
################################################################################
SERVER host_name 0a1b2c3d4e5f 1999
VENDOR cdlmd
               

For a virtual machine, the network adapters are also virtual and can be changed. Once that happens, the license file is no longer valid for the virtual machine where is intended to be run. Additionally, when setting up a virtual machine, there are a number of other parameters which can affect its behavior and prevent a license server to run successfully even if host_name and MAC address are apparently correct. 

Because of the reasons above, running a STAR-CCM+ license server on a virtual machine is Not Supported. The advised best practice is to run a license server on actual physical machines