Just when you thought it couldn't possibly get any more complicated, there's this:
As of 2009, SAP requires Maintenance Certificates for all 7.0 and higher based systems for Support Pack installations.
These maintenance certificates can be obtained automatically via your Solution Manager or manually via transaction SLICENSE. SAP created a special license key of type "Maintenance", which is typically valid for 3 months. It can be obtained in the Service Marketplace and then installed via SLICENSE.
Why?
- SAP suspects a lot of companies are using SAP without proper contracts or even without a valid license.
- The new digital license apparently can't be hacked as it is encrypted with a 128bit key.
What products are going to be affected by this new requirement?
- Only 7.0 higher (BI 7, ERP 6, SolMan 7 (4.0), Netweaver 7 (2004s), PI 7.1)
How will it become active?
- Via the latest SPAM/SAINT update
- SPAM Update 7.0 (31) will contain the first piece of information in the form of a warning. From version 33/34 there will be an error and you won't be able to continue.
How can I get one?
- Via Solution Manager. It will apparently request the certificates automatically for all your active systems.
- If this doesn't work, you may have to check note 1293657 to fix an error in the distribution of certificates via SDCCN.
- SAP generates the certificate and Solution Manger will receive them within a day.
- Solution Manager will distribute the keys to all active systems.
More information, please!
- Try note 1240265