Unexpected High License Consumption

Problem

Unexpectedly high license consumption was observed across several users within the organization. Users are reporting excessive active usage durations that seem inconsistent with actual IDE usage patterns.

Cause

1. License consumption is based on runtime, meaning that an IDE consumes a license as long as it is open, regardless of active usage.
2. Bundled plugins (e.g., dotCover, dotTrace) were found to consume licenses even when not explicitly used if enabled by default in an IDE (e.g. Rider).
3. Users were unaware of licensing behaviors, such as multiple IDEs running simultaneously consuming multiple licenses.
4. Machines in sleep mode or idle states with IDEs open retained their licenses if the network connection stays activated.

Resolution

1. Understanding License Behaviors

   • License Vault measures usage duration based on runtime rather than active editing or window focus. This means IDEs left open, even in the background, will still consume licenses: https://www.jetbrains.com/help/ide-services-cloud/floating-licenses.html#floating-mode-how-it-works.
   • Multiple IDEs running concurrently will consume additional licenses unless bundled under a pack license (e.g., dotUltimate, All Products Pack): https://www.jetbrains.com/help/ide-services-cloud/License_allocation_priority.html#smart-license-allocation
   • Plugins like dotCover and dotTrace will use licenses automatically when enabled, even if not actively utilized.
   • Please also refer to the License Allocation Priority documentation for scenarios on license consumption: https://www.jetbrains.com/help/ide-services-cloud/License_allocation_priority.html.

2. Best Practices for Users

   • Close IDEs when not in use to release licenses.
   • Disable unnecessary plugins to avoid consumption of licenses tied to bundled tools (e.g., dotCover or dotTrace). Instructions for disabling plugins can be found here: https://www.jetbrains.com/help/rider/Managing_Plugins.html#disable-plugin.

3. Recommendations for IDE Services - License Vault Administrators

   • Use Access Rules in the License Vault to establish finer control over license allocations: https://www.jetbrains.com/help/ide-services-cloud/Rules.html.
   • Explore per-user licensing customization for improved management of licenses across multiple machines (which is available whilst Floating Mode is enabled):
     • https://www.jetbrains.com/help/ide-services-cloud/license-management.html#customizable-per-user-licensing-optimization.
     • https://youtrack.jetbrains.com/articles/SUPPORT-A-2702/No-Per-user-licensing-mode-selectors

4. Addressing Machine Idle States

   • You may configure machines to disable network connections during idle or sleep mode, ensuring licenses are released when the IDE stops communicating with the License Vault.

By following these steps, organizations can better manage licenses and optimize usage effectively while minimizing unnecessary allocations.

Additional Note

1. Does the Toolbox App consume licenses?
   • No, Toolbox App serves only as the middleware for distributing centrally configured IDE settings from IDE Services to each user's local/remote machine. It does not consume any licenses to run. Please refer:
     • Introduction to the Toolbox App: https://www.jetbrains.com/help/toolbox-app/introduction.html
     • FAQ regarding Toolbox App "license": https://www.jetbrains.com/help/toolbox-app/frequently-asked-questions.html#license