Parse Citrix License Files

Displays the contents of Citrix license files in human readable form.

Description

As an administrator of Citrix products it is sometimes necessary to analyze the contents of one's license file(s). This requires manual parsing, a very tedious process. To illustrate this point here is the relevant portion of a typical license file with the digital signature obliterated:

SERVER this_host HOSTNAME=srv1
VENDOR CITRIX
USE_SERVER
INCREMENT MPS_ENT_CCU CITRIX 2008.0206 06-feb-2009 5 \
 VENDOR_STRING=;LT=NFR;GP=720;CL=ENT,ADV,STD,AST;SA=0;ODP=0;AP=ADMIN/LOGON/-28D:NONADMIN/LOGON/ALW \
 DUP_GROUP=V ISSUED=07-Mar-2007 NOTICE="sepago GmbH" \
 SN=OR146610:845390 START=6-feb-2007 SIGN="XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX \
 XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX \
 XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX \
 XXXX XXXX"

ParseCitrixLicense

To simplify license file analysis, I have written the tool ParseCitrixLicense. It takes a license file like the one above and displays the contents in a human readable format:

ParseCitrixLicense.exe by Helge Klein
========================================
License server hostname: srv1
License server port: 27000 [default]
Vendor daemon: CITRIX
========================================
Vendor: CITRIX
Expiration date: 06-feb-2009
No. of licenses: 5
Licensed feature: Citrix Presentation Server Enterprise|Concurrent User
Software assurance expiry: 2008-02-06
Company name: sepago GmbH
Vendor string: [empty]
License sharing for the same client device: allowed
Serial number: OR146610:845390
Date issued: 07-Mar-2007
Validity start date: 6-feb-2007
License type: NFR [Not for resale]
Grace period: 30 days [default for all license files generated after August 19th, 2004]
Licensed components: Enterprise, Advanced, Standard, Application Streaming
Subscription advantage: no
----------
Unknown entries: ODP=0;AP=ADMIN/LOGON/-28D:NONADMIN/LOGON/ALW

As you can see, each field from the license file is shown with a short description and, where appropriate, a remark.

Requirements

ParseCitrixLicense requires the .NET framework 2.0. It is a command line tool that expects the path to a license file as the first (and only) argument. If called without parameters the following help screen will be shown:

ParseCitrixLicense.exe by Helge Klein
ERROR: Please specify the name of the license file to be parsed on the command line!
Example:
ParseCitrixLicense.exe MyLicFile.lic

I have tested ParseCitrixLicense with various license files for Presentation Server 3.0, 4.0, 4.5 and XenApp 5.0.

Download

ParseCitrixLicense can be downloaded here: http://blogs.sepago.de/helge/2008/06/25/free-tool-to-help-you-better-understand-what-is-inside-a-citrix-license-file/

Disclaimer

These software applications are provided to you as is with no representations, warranties or conditions of any kind. You may use and distribute it at your own risk. CITRIX DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, WRITTEN, ORAL OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, you acknowledge and agree that (a) the software application may exhibit errors, design flaws or other problems, possibly resulting in loss of data or damage to property; (b) it may not be possible to make the software application fully functional; and (c) Citrix may, without notice or liability to you, cease to make available the current version and/or any future versions of the software application. In no event should the code be used to support of ultra-hazardous activities, including but not limited to life support or blasting activities. NEITHER CITRIX NOR ITS AFFILIATES OR AGENTS WILL BE LIABLE, UNDER BREACH OF CONTRACT OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER ARISING FROM USE OF THE SOFTWARE APPLICATION, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. You agree to indemnify and defend Citrix against any and all claims arising from your use, modification or distribution of the code.