Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about UA KeyServer - Shared Use Licensing Information

Shared use licensing allows multiple users to access the same application at the same time. The number of shared use licenses is different for each application, and is stated below.

These numbers apply to the entire UA system; other applications may be available to particular departments or campuses. Due to the limited number of shared use licenses available we ask that when you are finished using it, please close the application. This allows that license to be available to another user.

Software Name / Number of Licenses

Adobe Acrobat / 430 for Windows and Mac
Adobe Illustrator / 25 for Windows and Mac
Adobe InDesign / 80 for Windows and Mac
Adobe Photoshop / 100 for Windows and Mac
Adobe Premier Pro / 14 for Windows and Mac   
Macromedia Dreamweaver / 70 Windows and 30 Mac
Macromedia Fireworks / 35 Windows and 40 Mac
Macromedia Flash / 35 Windows and 15 Mac
SPSS (Statistical Software for Social Sciences) / 38 Windows only

The KeyServer tracks available licenses and application use. When you run an application, the KeyServer Client on your computer checks with the KeyServer to see if a license applies to that application and, if so, whether a license is currently available for use. If one is, the software runs normally. If all the copies allowed are in use, the application will not run, but you will be given the option of being notified when a license becomes available (because another user quits the application).

Running Shared Use software requires: 1) a key server client (KeyAccess) installed on the computer that will run the application; 2) configuration of KeyAccess to connect to the UA KeyServer at address keys.alaska.edu; 3) an internet connection to the UA KeyServer from an on-campus network node, or an off-campus connection VPN connection.

These shared use licenses are for University of Alaska academic use only (i.e., instruction, learning, research, and public service) by University of Alaska employees and students.

Applications left running on your computer generally continue to run normally even if your network connection is interrupted. So if you put your laptop to sleep with an application open, you will be able to continue using it later off-network. For extended off-network use of this software on University-owned (not personally-owned) computers, employees may use "KeyCheckout" - software that enables a longer term "check out" of mobile license keys.

Yes, you are allowed to use both purchased  and keyed software on your computer.  If you have no keyed applications installed, you may simply install and use your software.  

If you purchased software that is normally keyed, and you run other keyed software, you will need to email helpdesk@alaska.edu  with a request for “KeyServer exception for personal software.”  In this email, please include your name, your department, the software you have purchased (and number of licenses, if multiple), and proof of purchase (receipt, scanned upc, serial number, etc). We will also need to know the names of the computers where the software will be installed.  Once we receive this request, we can make the changes required for you to use your software.

There have been some issues noticed when downloading KeyServer applications using Google Chrome. Please use Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer to avoid these issues, and successfully download applications from this site.