Why VTube Uses an Internet Server License and How it Works for Renewal and Validation
Written by Michael Cone
Updated at July 7th, 2026
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Article Summary
1 - VTube's 2.75 million lines of code represents over 100,000 man-hour investment.
2 - Validating licenses through the Internet is our method to control who has the right to use our software.
3 - For customers who have purchased licenses, your right to use VTube never expires.
4 - Connect to the Internet before the recurring expriration time for checking the server.
5 - The computer can then be disconnected from the Internet until the next check time nears.
In its 16 years, VTube has grown to become a leading tube-fab-specific metrology system worldwide. We estimate that our team has invested more than 100,000 man-hours in developing 2.75 million lines of code for VTube-STEP and VTube-LASER. The code and product represent a huge investment. So, we take license control of our software seriously. In our opinion, periodic checks with a cloud license server are the best way to verify who has the right to use the software.
All VTube license types call an Internet license server to validate their licenses.
| License Type | Node Locked | USB Dongle | Internet Server | Checks License | How quickly can I get it? | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VTube-LASER Keyless EM | Yes | No | Yes | Every 30 days | Email activation - Immediate | For end users in all world regions* |
| VTube-LASER Factory | Yes | Yes | Yes | Every 365 days | Through FedEx shipment, usually the same week for USA customers | For end users in the USA |
|
VTube-LASER Demo (This is the only demo license available.) |
Yes | No | Yes | Every 30 days | Email activation - Immediate | Only available for verified resale partners |
| VTube-LASER Programmer | Yes | No | Yes | Every 30 days | Email activation - Immediate | For end users in all world regions* |
| VTube-STEP | No | No | Yes | Every 30 days | Email activation - Immediate | For end users in all world regions* |
*For all regions not on the US State Department sanctions list.
Validating licenses online is an important way to ensure that only those with the right to use our intellectual property have licenses. For customers who have purchased licenses, even though the dialog uses the terms "Renewal" and "subscription", your right to use VTube-LASER never expires.
Before the time expires, VTube does not need to confirm with the server that the license is valid. However, as the license approaches 15 days before the server's next recurring check, it will start warning users that the license subscription will expire in X days.
This is the message you will receive when the anniversary approaches for a computer that is not connected to the Internet:
When you see this message, you can click on "Renew at a later time" to keep working without connecting to the Internet. However, you will need to connect to the Internet before the X days expire.
Simply connect the computer to the Internet (we suggest using a hotspot if necessary), start VTube-LASER, and click on Activate Renewal.
You can then disconnect from the Internet for the duration allowed by your license type.