JFrog Platform licenses can be dynamically renewed when you renew your SH subscription, without the need to manually apply a new license file. When a new license is provided, the JFConnect microservice should automatically fetch and apply the updated expiration date.
Dynamic License Expiration represents a shift from the old manual, file-based license update process to an automated, entitlement-based system for connected environments, allowing for seamless management of license expiry dates. However, air-gapped setups would still require manual updating.
Background
Previously, JFrog licenses operated on a perpetual model, meaning that license expiration had limited impact on server function. After Artifactory 7.41, JFrog introduced termed licenses, which expire when your contract ends, to be replaced by a new license. After a license has expired and before it is renewed, the JFrog Platform becomes read-only.
How Dynamic Licensing Works
The JFConnect microservice connects to the JFrog Entitlements Server to populate the appropriate entitlements. When a license is renewed, we produce and send you the new license via email.
At the same time, JFrog updates your entitlements in the entitlement server microservice (jes.jfrog.io) with the new expiration date. If your system is connected to the network, the dates will be updated without replacing the license.
Note
The license file itself is static, and will hold the original expiration date. The dynamic update only affects the JPD entitlements stored in the JPD database.
However, for air-gapped environments where JFConnect cannot connect to the JFrog entitlements server, It is necessary to load new entitlements manually: for more information, see JFConnect Apply Entitlements to an Air-Gapped JPD. This method loads the new entitlements rather than a full license file to update the expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need to install a new license?
You need to manually install a new license in any of the following scenarios:
When updating your subscription (e.g., changing the account type from EnterpriseX to Enterprise +)
If your Artifactory product version is lower than 7.77.11
In any other case where JFConnect is not able to load entitlements.
When will my new license expiration be automatically updated?
The expiry date on your license will be updated directly when all these conditions are met:
You renewed your subscription and received an email confirmation with the new license files.
Your JFConnect microservice is connected to the JFrog Entitlements Server.
Your Artifactory product version is higher than 7.77.11.