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 file server requirement, nor any special hardware or software dependencies - it can be hosted on standard equipment and does not use any back-end services.
Tech support and bug fixes are free for K2 version 6.1, the current K2 version. Minor revision and bug fix releases for this version will be numbered 6.1.x.x - the first two digits are considered a major version and the last two digits refer to minor revisions.
Upgrades to a newer version (e.g. 6.1 to 6.2) 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 for as long as feasible, but this does not include bug fix releases or 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 K2 client component is installed in a "virtual computer", there will be a corresponding computer record created in 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 thin client sessions hosted from a Microsoft Windows Terminal Server (WTS) or a Citrix server. The KeyServer process will create a new record in its “computers” database for each distinct “thin client device” (connecting to a thin client server where a single KeyAccess is installed) just like it does for each desktop, portable, or virtual computer (each having KeyAccess installed locally). After counting desktop, laptop, and virtual computers, add an estimate for thin client records that you wish to manage.
Standard Pricing
With K2, the cost of license server, database engine, web reporter, etc. are not broken out separately. Averaging the server costs in with clients yields an “average price per client” that drifts down from a high of $68 (for 10 clients) to below $10 depending on features and number of clients supported.**Upgrade Subscription Plan
Most customers purchase an Upgrade Subscription Plan (USP) at an annual cost of 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 upgrade subscription, the cost to upgrade to a new version is higher. It is computed based on purchase date, the 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.