Use of Max connections feature

[suhamore]

Lets say, I have 100 read only users who read data from a single reporting cube. Can I create just 10 users and set the max connections options to 10 (or more) for these users. I can then share each of these ids (and pwd) with a group of 10 users.
I guess, IBM charges based on the named users in the system. So, wouldnt this result in licensing cost saving? Are there any performance issues to such an approach?
I understand, here the purpose of TM1 security is defeated, but that is not a issue as all these users will be READ only ( and are supposed to view almost same/all data).

Appreciate any comments from experts.

Thanks
Suhamore

[tomok]

AFAIK, your scheme is a violation of IBM's licensing rules. The concurrent user portion of the server licensing is based on how many users can be logged in to the server at any one time, not how many user ID's are being used. There is also a client license issue to consider as well. Users can not share client licenses as you suggest. Give it up. You're not going to be able to scam the system. To be in compliance with the licensing requirements each client has to have an appropriate license, based on what they do in TM1, and you have to have enough concurrent licenses to cover how many users are logged in at any one point in time.

[Martin Ryan]

I agree with tomok. IBM regularly audit software users and the penalties for violating the terms of your agreement are steep. While it is technically possible to do this it is illegal because it is breach of contract.

Martin

[suhamore]

Thanks for your response.

[stephen waters]

I guess, IBM charges based on the named users in the system...

Suhamore

As others have pointed out, there is a difference between what you can do technically and what is allowed under your license.

Companies who purchased TM1 before the IBM takeover may still be on a concurrent port licensing model. In this case the license limits you to a maximum number of simultaneous connections. This used to be controlled by the license key but has not effectively been the cae for soem years now.

Companies buying TM1 and other Cognos products or who migrated from concurrent to named users since the takeover are likely to be oin an "Authorised User" or named user basis. Named or Authorised users does not refer to the number of users you have set up as TM1 clients, but to the individuals using the system.
As per the IBM licenses terms: An Authorized User is an individual (named or unnamed) within or outside of Your Enterprise. ... You must have an entitlement for each Authorized User accessing the Program or any Program component in any manner directly or indirectly (for example: via a multiplexing program, device, or application server) through any means.

It is up to the company to whom the license is issued to enure it is complying with the number of users whether concurrent, named or authorised.