CodeMeter 9.00 – Architectural Transformation with Guaranteed Compatibility

With CodeMeter 9.00, Wibu-Systems initiates a fundamental transformation of the CodeMeter Runtime architecture. This process will be implemented step by step in upcoming releases and will culminate in a universal runtime environment that serves both traditional CmDongles and new (Post-Quantum Cryptography) PQC-enabled CmDongles (see the article “Post-Quantum Cryptography: Future-Proofing Your Software Licenses” in KEYnote 50).

Compatibility as the Top Priority

Wibu-Systems is fully committed to maintaining complete compatibility of the CodeMeter API and its behavior. Software that has been manually linked to the API or that uses CodeMeter Protection Suite requires no modifications.

However, the architectural changes do require adjustments on the software vendor side, particularly regarding runtime deployment. Three new services will gradually complement the environment, while certain functions of the existing CodeMeter license server (CodeMeter.exe / CodeMeterMacX / CodeMeterLin) will be separated. Command-line options for server control will also be affected.

In the future, installation and removal of services will be handled exclusively through installation programs or operating system tools, rather than via command-line switches. Network server configuration under Windows will continue to be managed through the installer. The cross-platform command-line option will be discontinued but can still be toggled at runtime using the cmu tool or CodeMeter WebAdmin. Full details are documented in the CodeMeter 9.00 Release Notes.

CmLogger: The Future of Centralized Logging

CmLogger marks the first step in this transformation. As a new service, it initially takes over event logging for the license server.

Over time, it will evolve into the central logging instance, receiving messages from other services via secure channels.

Starting with version 9.00, CodeMeter installs with logging enabled by default, a long-standing request from many software vendors and consistent with industry best practices.

Log files rotate automatically, and older files are deleted to conserve storage space, while still remaining available for support cases. Timestamps are now recorded with millisecond precision in ISO 8601 format, including time zone information, enabling precise correlation across heterogeneous systems.

Time Synchronization

A newly available option enables regular synchronization of certified time with CodeMeter time servers. Previously, this was only possible indirectly through a CmDongle backup option, which has since been discontinued.

Now, synchronization can be configured directly in CodeMeter WebAdmin (Settings) or via the cmu tool – ideal for automated post-installation configurations.

Platform Changes

CodeMeter 9.00 no longer supports Windows 10 by default. For legacy operations, a paid long-term support option remains available with version 8.41.

The technically outdated Shell Extension (no longer installed by default since 8.20) has now been completely removed from the Windows installer.

Universal Data for Everyone

The Product Item Option “Universal Data” is now also available for CmActLicense, and the CodeMeter license server supports it within CmCloudContainers.

Universal Data enables the use of asymmetric algorithms with longer key lengths and will also serve as a key storage location for Post-Quantum Cryptography in the future. In addition to storing key material with explicit algorithm specification, Universal Data can store data entries up to 64 KB per record.

Depending on configuration, software vendors may also write data at runtime.

Reading and writing data, as well as using keys, can be protected with passwords, which are themselves stored as Universal Data. Each Product Item provides an area with several thousand Universal Data entries, allowing multiple keys or datasets, including their associated passwords, to be stored without limitation.

UserDefinedShare: Flexible License Sharing

The new version introduces an additional option for license access modeled after StationShare license allocation. With StationShare, only one license is consumed per computer and identical license allocation parameters, even if the application is launched multiple times.

The new UserDefinedShare option also uses a single license when license allocation parameters are identical, provided the UserDefinedText parameter matches. If it differs, separate licenses are required.

This enables software vendors to define their own criteria for license sharing. The mechanism also works across multiple machines. Possible examples include the serial number or identifier of an external device, or the tenant ID in multitenant software to license concurrent usage of different tenants.

Highlights of CodeMeter 9.00

CmLogger modernizes logging:
enabled by default, millisecond precision, automated rotation
Universal Data expanded:
now available for CmActLicenses & CmCloudContainers, up to 64 KB per entry with password protection
UserDefinedShare:
flexible license sharing based on custom criteria (serial number, tenant ID)

 

KEYnote 51 – Edition Spring/Summer 2026