Licensing is a critical aspect of any software solution, and Qlik Sense is no exception. Qlik Sense’s licensing policy is designed to cater to a variety of business needs, from small to large-scale deployments. This article provides an overview of Qlik Sense’s licensing policy, covering its types of licenses, what’s included in the Enterprise Server, differences between SaaS and client-managed licenses, and more.
Types of Licenses in Qlik Sense
Qlik Sense offers three primary types of licenses: Professional, Analyzer, and Analyzer Capacity.
Professional License:
A Qlik Sense Professional license is intended for users who need to create and publish their own apps, sheets, and stories. It allows for unlimited sharing, exploration, and collaboration.
Professional License:
A Qlik Sense Professional license is intended for users who need to create and publish their own apps, sheets, and stories. It allows for unlimited sharing, exploration, and collaboration.
Analyzer Capacity License:
Unlike the regular Analyzer License, which is assigned to a specific user, the Analyzer Capacity License is based on usage. It’s designed for infrequent users who require access to consume apps but do not need the full capabilities of a Professional or Analyzer license.
Enterprise Server Components
Qlik Sense Enterprise Server is a comprehensive suite of tools and services designed for robust data analytics. Here are the primary components:
Qlik Sense Hub:
A single point of access for all Qlik Sense applications, allowing users to explore, create, and share data-driven insights.
Data Load Editor:
Used for scripting and data loading operations.
Qlik Management Console (QMC):
Used for system management and administrative tasks such as managing apps, data connections, tasks, and users.
Dev Hub:
A development space where you can use tools and APIs to create custom visualizations, extensions, and more.
SaaS vs. Client-Managed Licenses
Qlik Sense SaaS and client-managed licenses provide similar capabilities, but the hosting and management aspects differ:
SaaS Licenses:
Qlik hosts and manages the Qlik Sense environment, freeing you from the need to maintain servers, manage updates, or worry about scalability.
Client-Managed Licenses:
You host Qlik Sense in your own environment (on-premises or cloud). You’re responsible for server management, updates, and scalability, which offers more control over your environment.
Qlik Sense Keys: LEF, SLK, SLD
License Enabler File (LEF): This is a text file that contains details about your license such as the license key, name of the licensed party, product level, and any limitations.
Signed License Key (SLK): This is a digitally-signed version of the LEF, confirming its authenticity and integrity.
Site License Definition (SLD): This XML file defines the tokens and access types associated with a license and is used in token-based licensing in Qlik Sense.
Qlik Sense’s licensing policy is flexible and accommodating, with a range of options to suit different business needs. Its licensing types, coupled with its secure server components and the option to choose between SaaS and client-managed licenses, make it a versatile solution for businesses of all sizes. Understanding these aspects is crucial to make the most out of your Qlik Sense deployment.
Qlik Sense Enterprise Inclusions and Features:
Qlik GeoAnalytics:
Allows location-related data analysis, application map integration, and location-based analytics.
Qlik Web Connectors:
Bridges the gap between Qlik Sense and various web-based data sources, enabling data extraction and loading.
Qlik DataMarket Essentials:
Provides access to a variety of external data for a richer and more comprehensive analysis.
Test & Dev Servers (Subscription only):
Provides dedicated environments for safe and isolated testing and development activities.
Qlik GeoAnalytics
Qlik GeoAnalytics is an advanced geographical analysis tool that enables location-related data analyses. It’s particularly beneficial for scenarios where geographic data plays a significant role. With the base GeoAnalytics included in Qlik Sense Enterprise, users can add maps to their applications, use geographical data to make location-based selections, and leverage various location-based analytics options. GeoAnalytics can also help in enriching your existing data with a geographical dimension.
Qlik Web Connectors
Qlik Web Connectors serve as a bridge between Qlik Sense and a variety of web-based data sources such as social media platforms, cloud-based services, and open APIs. With Qlik Web Connectors, you can extract and load data from these sources directly into your Qlik Sense applications, enabling a more diverse and comprehensive analysis.
Qlik DataMarket Essentials
DataMarket Essentials, another invaluable feature of Qlik Sense Enterprise, provides access to a wide variety of external data, which you can use to supplement and contextualize your internal data. It includes data from various areas such as demographics, weather, business, economics, and geography. This integration allows for a richer, broader analysis and can reveal insights that might not be evident from your internal data alone.
Test & Dev Servers
For those who choose to buy Qlik Sense Enterprise by subscription, there’s the additional benefit of access to Test & Dev servers. These dedicated environments provide a safe space for testing and development activities, ensuring that these don’t interfere with your production environment. Whether it’s developing new applications, testing changes, or experimenting with configurations, having these separate environments is crucial for maintaining the stability and reliability of your production system.