By default, IDERA SQL Compliance Manager installs with a limited-time, limited-instance trial license key. The Management Console displays your trial license statistics in the Manage SQL Compliance Manager Licenses window.
When you decide to move from a trial implementation of SQL Compliance Manager to your production environment, contact and obtain a license key from Idera. You enter the license key using the Manage SQL Compliance Manager Licenses window. This license key is stored in the Repository.
SQL Compliance Manager checks for a valid license key each time you register a SQL Server instance. If the SQL Server instance is not currently licensed, and you have enough licenses to proceed, SQL Compliance Manager associates the instance with an available license. If the attempted registration exceeds your licensed limit, SQL Compliance Manager does not register the specified instance and you cannot initiate auditing.
When you reach your license limit, SQL Compliance Manager disallows the registration of additional SQL Server instances. If your license expires, SQL Compliance Manager disables all auditing of new events and disallows registration of additional SQL Server instances. You can continue to view and report on previously-collected audit data.