The Zoo

The Zoo

The Zoo is a Network License Manager which allows Rhino for Windows and / or Rhino for Mac users to Float / Share their Licences on their network.  The same network tool supports Flamingo, Penguin, and Bongo licenses plus some plug-ins from 3rd party developers such as RhinoGold & RhinoNest.

The Zoo is typically used where there are multiple licences being shared across multiple workstations.

When a workgroup node starts, it sends a request for a license key to the Zoo. If there are unused license keys available, a key is assigned to the workstation. When a node shuts down, the key is returned to the Zoo's available license pool.

The Zoo is not the solution for individuals with multiple computers, it is a solution for organisations who have more users than licences.

Setting up Zoo 6:

1.  Download and install the Zoo on a single computer on your network

2.  The Zoo uses TCP Port 80 (cannot be changed), make sure that port is open

3.  Run ZooAdmin, enter Rhino for Windows or Mac License Keys License Keys

Contact us for download details

Features include:

• No special server hardware is needed. The Zoo will run on any Windows system in the same network workgroup
• No special versions of Rhino, Flamingo, Penguin, or Bongo are needed
• Very little administration is required. The license keys are typed into the Zoo instead of on individual systems
• A workgroup can have a mix of network licences managed by the Zoo plus standalone licenses if required
• Rhino license keys can be checked out so laptop users can disconnect from the network. The key can be checked in again when the laptop is re-connected to the network
• Workgroup nodes will keep working even if the network connection or server is down, but workgroup nodes cannot start up without access to the Zoo
• The Zoo 6 works with Rhino Educational LAB Licences but not Rhino Educational Single Licences

Further Notes on Zoo for Rhino for Mac:

If you do not have a Windows system to run the Zoo, then you can use VMWare Fusion Pro, which allows you to run Windows on a Mac.

Zoo for OS X is under development

If you have any questions on The Zoo we’d be happy to help.