Named User licensing in ArcGIS Enterprise

Named User licensing in ArcGIS Enterprise follows the same user type model as ArcGIS Online. To access ArcGIS Pro, a member must have an appropriate user type in the organization:

  • The Creator user type provides access to ArcGIS Pro Basic.
  • The Professional user type provides access to ArcGIS Pro Standard.
  • The Professional Plus user type provides access to ArcGIS Pro Advanced.

With a Named User license, a member starts ArcGIS Pro by signing in to the application with their organization credentials (username and password). The application can be used on any computer where it is installed. The license authorizes use of ArcGIS Pro on up to three computers at the same time by the same person.

ArcGIS Enterprise 11.3 and earlier versions

In ArcGIS Enterprise 11.3 and earlier versions, ArcGIS Pro licenses are stored in the ArcGIS License Manager application on a server behind the firewall.

When a member signs in to ArcGIS Pro with their organization username and password, ArcGIS Enterprise validates their membership and license assignment in the portal website using the secure HTTPS protocol. ArcGIS Pro then makes a call to ArcGIS License Manager to obtain a license. If a license is available, ArcGIS Pro starts. In this part of the process, ArcGIS Enterprise does not communicate with the license manager. It is important to note that the communication between ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise uses a different protocol than the communication between ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS License Manager. The firewall must be configured accordingly.

Named User licensing diagram for ArcGIS Enterprise 11.3 and earlier portals
In the ArcGIS Enterprise environment, licenses for ArcGIS Pro are stored in ArcGIS License Manager in an on-premises server.

HTTP tunneling is used to create a network link between two computers where there are restricted network connectivity conditions including firewalls, network address translation services (NATs), and access control lists (ACLs). The tunnel is created by an intermediary called a proxy server. In the diagram above, ArcGIS Pro makes a call using HTTP tunneling through a firewall to ArcGIS License Manager. Communication ports must be configured through the firewall for incoming and outgoing requests. For more information, see Configure ArcGIS License Manager to work through a firewall.

Note:

There are multiple ways to allow communication between computers on different networks that have multiple levels of security and restrictions. The diagram above shows only one option. Consult with your system or network administrator for a solution that is best suited for your environment.

ArcGIS Enterprise 11.4 and later versions

Starting with ArcGIS Enterprise 11.4, licenses are managed directly by the Enterprise portal. ArcGIS License Manager is no longer used. When obtaining a portal license file from My Esri, you enter your ArcGIS Enterprise public portal URL. The license file must be imported to the ArcGIS Enterprise portal with the matching portal URL to allow members to access ArcGIS Pro.

Named User licensing diagram for ArcGIS Enterprise 11.4 portals
When a named user signs in to ArcGIS Pro, their credentials are validated in ArcGIS Enterprise and the application is unlocked.

Install and configure Portal for ArcGIS

The Portal for ArcGIS component of ArcGIS Enterprise must be installed and configured before ArcGIS Pro can be used. If you are using ArcGIS Enterprise 11.3 or an earlier version, you must also install ArcGIS License Manager 2024.1. Refer to the ArcGIS Enterprise documentation for information and help with workflows in the following areas:

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