K2 is distributed as a downloadable archive from the Sassafras web site. It includes documentation and installers for server, admin, and client components on all platforms. The complete image archive is updated as needed with bug fixes and the updated component installers are also available for download individually.
Unlike some software management products, K2 is always purchased as a single integrated product, programmed to include software license management, asset auditing, and reporting functions - there are no add on modules to purchase separately. K2 does not require a dedicated host computer, there is no server OS requirement, nor any special hardware or software dependencies - it can be hosted on standard equipment and does not depend on any back-end services.
Tech support and bug fixes are free for the current K2 version, 7.1. Minor revision and bug fix releases for this version will be numbered 7.1.x.x - the first two digits are considered a major version and the last two digits refer to minor revisions.
Upgrades to a future major version (e.g. from 7.1 to 7.2) are provided under an Upgrade Subscription Plan or purchased at a price based on the age and size of the older version. After a new major version is released, we attempt to support prior versions when feasible, but this may not include bug fix releases, nor revisions to support operating system changes.
Standard Configuration
The standard K2 license certificate will enable software license management, asset auditing, and reporting functions (including web reporting) for a specified maximum number of “computer records”. K2 is typically deployed on behalf of all the desktop and laptop computers managed at a site. To determine the K2 license size that you will need, first count each desktop and portable computer* that will use K2’s auditing or license management services. Then estimate any additional resources needed to support “virtual computers" or “thin client devices” as follows:
If the K2 client component is installed on a “virtual computer”, there will be a corresponding computer record created in K2's computers database and this will increase the size requirement for your K2 license. K2 can also be configured to support license management of remote desktop sessions (thin client) hosted from a Microsoft Remote Desktop Server (RDS) or a Citrix XenApp server. A distinct “computer record” will be created in the management database for each distinct “thin client device” that connects to the remote desktop server. These thin client computer records appear in the management console just like the records for each desktop, portable, or virtual computer where KeyAccess is installed locally (instead of as a shared server asset) – all the same license tracking and management functions are available. After counting desktop, laptop, and virtual computers, add an estimate for thin client records that you wish to manage.
Standard Pricing
The complete K2 toolkit including all components - license server, web reports server, database engine, multi-platform support, multiple admin consoles, report modules, etc. - are included in a single price based on specific feature options and support for a specific number of clients. As an example, at a large site using K2 to manage thousands of computers with all features enabled, the “average price per client” can work out to less than $10 .**Upgrade Subscription Plan
The Upgrade Subscription Plan (USP) includes both K2 version updates and access to PRS, the cloud based Product Recognition Service, PRS. The annual cost is 18% of the cost of the original K2 license. This is the most economical way to keep the K2 product up to date - support for major version upgrades will be shipped automatically as they become available. Without an active subscription, automatic product recognition based on PRS footprint data will not be available and the cost to upgrade to a new version or add client licenses will be higher – it will depend on purchase date, license size, and the feature set of your version.
Custom Configuration, License, & Pricing
Some customers have particular requirements that are not well satisfied by the standard configuration described above. These special requirements can often be satisfied through customization of specific parameters in a license certificate. Please inquire about special licensing, configuration, or purchasing options that may better suit your organization.