Parallels License and multiple OS X installations on a single machine

Discussion in 'Installation and Configuration of Parallels Desktop' started by BeebarbX, Sep 22, 2014.

  1. BeebarbX

    BeebarbX Junior Member

    Messages:
    15
    I have a question regarding the licensing of Parallels Desktop. Particularly whether it is possible to use the same license on two separate installations of OS X on the same machine. I am running both Mavericks for daily use, as well as the public beta of Yosemite from an external disk. I would like to have access to my VMs in both Mavericks and the Yosemite public beta, however I don't want to risk anything by rushing into activating in Yosemite.

    If the activation process considers each installation it's own 'machine', I suppose I'll have to accept only having access to the VMs in Mavericks.
     
  2. CatalinT

    CatalinT Member

    Messages:
    28
    I'm not affiliated with Parallels in any way but according to their licensing terms they may consider that scenario as two licenses, so you need to purchase 2 separate PD licenses. I may be wrong but that's no different than having two Macs. This is the main reason we switched to VMware as we can install it on as many Macs/VMs we need to.
     
  3. Specimen

    Specimen Product Expert

    Messages:
    3,236
    http://www.parallels.com/eu/about/legal/eula/
    "You may use one copy of the Software activated by a license key on a single device owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by you, at a single time (the “Authorized Device”)."

    The EULA mentions Authorized Device, I would assume that Device is the physical computer and not the disk.
     
  4. CatalinT

    CatalinT Member

    Messages:
    28
    From EULA...
    "For purposes of this Agreement, “use” of the software means loading the Software into the temporary or permanent memory of an Authorized Device."
    I wonder if this is similar to Windows terms where you need a separate license for each VM you are installing. Maybe Parallels can clarify this for all of us.
     
  5. Specimen

    Specimen Product Expert

    Messages:
    3,236
    It doesn't limit the number of instances of Software in the device.

    The case is not similar to Windows, the windows EULA is completely different and specifies virtual and non virtual installations. Same for Mavericks EULA where it specifies the number of virtual machines allowed (2).
    Anyway, if you are not a Parallels user, I'm curious to know what's your motivation and interest in this thread?
     
  6. Specimen

    Specimen Product Expert

    Messages:
    3,236
    OK re-reading the sentence I posted initially, one copy on one device, so it doesn't allow more than one copy on the Device, that's my reading. So yes, the user in question might have to acquire a 2nd license.

    I suggest the user contact support via the Parallels site, they have a specific item for licensing issues.

    Edit: corrected "re-creating" to "re-reading"
     
    Last edited: Oct 2, 2014
  7. CatalinT

    CatalinT Member

    Messages:
    28
    My interest in PD because I'm a Parallels user and even though I have recently upgraded to VMware I'm still interested in using my PD9 license to run VMs that I have not migrated yet.
     

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