# Licensing Model in Astera 8

## **Single license key model**

We have introduced a new single license key model for Astera 8. Unlike the previous versions of Astera, you will now only need a single licensing key (for the server) to register and unlock both Astera client and server applications.

The license key provided to you contains information about how many clients can connect to a single server as well as functionality available to the connected clients.

Note: You cannot use your existing set of keys (from version 6 or 7). If you are planning to migrate from version 7 (or earlier) to version 8, please contact [sales@astera.com](mailto:sales%40astera.com), as you will need a new license key.

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## **Unlocking Astera 8 using your license key**

After you have configured the server, and logged in with the admin credentials, the last step is to insert your license key.

1. Go to *Tools > Manage License*. Or you can access the *License Management* window from the *Server Explorer*.

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<figure><img src="/files/mOxOtRjsgQo0RJtZ7V2H" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. On the License Management window, click on *Unlock using a key.*

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3. Enter the details to unlock Astera – Name, Organization, and Product Key and select *Unlock.*

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4. You’ll be shown the message that your license has been successfully activated.

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**Note:** The connected client applications will shut down for the server license to take effect.
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If you go to the *File* menu now, you’ll see all the options (Dataflow, Workflow, Subflow, etc.) enabled.

<figure><img src="/files/E4D2QQcyXydm8f98XTl3" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

This concludes unlocking the Astera client and server applications using a single licensing key.


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