Ism 6.2 Software Licences From Cdac May 2026
C-DAC ISM 6.2: Software Licensing Overview
C-DAC’s Intelligent Security Manager (ISM) version 6.2 is an enterprise-grade cybersecurity appliance solution, typically delivered as a hardened virtual or physical appliance. Licensing for ISM 6.2 is strictly managed by C-DAC’s licensing division to ensure compliance with Indian government procurement norms and enterprise security policies.
Key Licensing Components for ISM 6.2:
- Base License (Core Platform): Grants the right to install and operate the ISM 6.2 management console and core security engine. This is mandatory for all deployments.
- Per-Device/Per-User CALs (Client Access Licenses): Required for each endpoint, server, or user monitored or managed through ISM 6.2. Two common models exist:
- Node-based: Licensed per protected IP/device.
- User-based: Licensed per named user (for DLP or UEBA modules).
- Feature Modules (Add-on Licenses): ISM 6.2 functions on a modular basis. Common add-ons include:
- Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
- Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
- Log Management & SIEM correlation (extended retention)
- Network Access Control (NAC)
- Vulnerability Assessment & Compliance pack
- Subscription vs. Perpetual: C-DAC generally offers:
- Perpetual License: One-time fee plus optional annual maintenance (AMC) for updates/support.
- Subscription License (SaaS/term): Time-bound (1, 3, or 5 years), includes support and signature updates.
License Activation & Management:
- License File (.lic or .bin): After purchase, C-DAC issues a cryptographically signed license file tied to the hardware fingerprint (serial number/UUID) of the ISM 6.2 appliance.
- Online/Offline Activation: For secure environments (government, defense), offline activation is available via a request-response mechanism through C-DAC’s licensing portal.
- License Validity Check: ISM 6.2 periodically verifies license expiry. Expired subscriptions disable premium features but may retain basic logging in grace mode (typically 30 days).
Compliance & Renewal:
- Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC): Mandatory for perpetual licenses to receive rule packs, threat intelligence updates, and technical support.
- Audit Rights: C-DAC reserves the right to audit deployments to verify licensed counts (devices/users).
- Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Compliance: Licenses for Indian public sector must be procured through GeM or direct C-DAC purchase order as per NIC guidelines.
Important Restrictions (EULA):
- No reverse engineering, rehosting on non-approved hypervisors, or splitting licenses across multiple separate organizations without written consent.
- ISM 6.2 licenses are non-transferable between different hardware nodes except under approved RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) from C-DAC.
Contact for Licensing:
For precise pricing, volume discounts, or demonstration licenses, contact C-DAC’s National Cyber Security Group at licensing[at]cdac[dot]in or visit the official C-DAC product portal. ism 6.2 software licences from cdac
Note: As licensing terms are subject to change and specific to tender/contract, always refer to the latest License Agreement document provided by C-DAC for ISM 6.2.
3. Licensing & Activation (Crucial Step)
When you first launch ISM 6.2 after installation, it will ask for license validation. Unlike modern cloud software, ISM 6.2 uses a hardware-key or serial-key based system.
How to Activate:
- The Key: You will have received a Serial Number/License Key upon purchase.
- The Interface: Open the ISM Administrator or the main ISM interface. Go to the 'Help' or 'License' menu.
- Input Details: Enter the License Key.
- Offline Activation: Since ISM 6.2 is legacy software, it often does not verify licenses over the internet automatically.
- If it asks for a Dongle: Some versions require a USB hardware dongle provided by C-DAC.
- If it asks for Site Code: You may have to send a "Site Code" (generated by the software) to C-DAC support via email to receive a "Site Key" for activation.
Troubleshooting Licensing Errors:
- Invalid Key Error: Ensure you are typing the key correctly (caps lock, hyphens). If the key is tied to a specific machine ID (Hardware ID), you cannot use the same key on a different PC.
- License Expiry: Some licenses are valid for 1 year or 3 years. If the software stops working, you must renew the license with C-DAC.
Q1. Is ISM 6.2 free for personal use?
No. ISM 6.2 is an enterprise product. However, C-DAC offers a free “C-DAC Antivirus” for home users, which is a lighter version.
Scope & purpose
This guide summarizes practical steps and controls for managing software licenses under ISM 6.2 (Software Licenses) as implemented at CDAC. It assumes ISM 6.2 requires accurate license inventory, compliance, procurement controls, usage monitoring, and reporting. C-DAC ISM 6
Q2: Are ISM 6.2 licences transferable between hardware?
A: Yes, with a licence rehosting fee (usually 10% of licence cost or a flat ₹500 per device). CDAC allows hardware transfers up to twice per year.
2. Subscription Licences (Annual)
- What it is: A time-bound, renewable licence (1, 3, or 5-year terms).
- Best for: Enterprises undergoing digital transformation or temporary project teams.
- Advantages: Lower upfront cost, includes all updates to version 6.x (minor revisions), and flexible scaling (increase or decrease nodes annually).
3. Node-Based vs. Concurrent User Licences
- Node-Based (Most Common): A licence per device (desktop, server, laptop). If you have 5,000 desktops, you need 5,000 licences. This is the standard model for ISM 6.2.
- Concurrent User: Rare for ISM 6.2, but available for the management console only (e.g., 10 administrators can manage 10,000 nodes).
Sample SOP: Request-to-Deploy (condensed)
- User submits software request form (justification, seats, environment).
- Procurement verifies vendor and budget.
- IT Security performs risk review.
- License check in SAM for available entitlements.
- If available: assign license, IT schedules install.
- If not: Procurement initiates purchase; record PO in SAM.
- Post-installation: record installation details and owner in SAM.