Upgrading from GaeaSynergy 4/5 to GaeaSynergy 6 Network Licensing

GaeaSynergy 6 Network License upgrade dashboard and geological data management software interface
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GaeaSynergy 6 introduces a completely modernized licensing and network management system designed to improve performance, simplify administration, and support concurrent network licensing across teams and organizations.

If you are currently using GaeaSynergy Version 4 or Version 5, this guide explains how to safely upgrade your data and move to the new GaeaSynergy 6 network license environment.


Why Upgrade to GaeaSynergy 6?

GaeaSynergy 6 includes major improvements for environmental, geotechnical, mining, petroleum, and GIS workflows, including:

  • Modernized network licensing
  • Concurrent user management
  • Improved project and datastore management
  • Enhanced GIS and visualization tools
  • Better performance and scalability
  • Centralized license monitoring
  • Expanded task and project management
  • Improved database architecture

The Version 6 licensing system is managed through the GaeaSynergy 6 License Manager and License Monitor utilities.


Important Upgrade Information

Before upgrading, it is important to understand that:

  • Version 4/5 and Version 6 do NOT use the same databases or directories
  • Version 6 uses a new default data structure
  • Existing Version 4 data must be upgraded before using it in Version 6
  • The upgrade process only needs to be performed once

Default Data Locations

Version 4

C:\ProgramData\GAEA\GaeaSynergy4/5

Version 6

C:\ProgramData\GAEA\GaeaSynergy

The upgrade process copies and converts the existing data into the new Version 6 structure while leaving the original Version 4 data intact.

After the upgrade, it is not recommended to continue using Version 4 because any new data created in Version 4 will not appear in Version 6.


Downloads

GaeaSynergy 6

www.gaeatech.com/public/GaeaSynergy6_Setup.exe

GaeaSynergy 6 License Manager

www.gaeatech.com/public/GaeaSynergy6_License_Manager_Setup.exe

Default Login

After installation, the default local login is:

Username: Admin
Password: admin

Understanding the New Network License System

GaeaSynergy 6 supports:

  • Single-user licensing
  • Network concurrent licensing
  • Hybrid licensing environments

The network licensing system uses two components:

1. GaeaSynergy 6 License Manager Service

This Windows service handles:

  • User authentication
  • Concurrent license allocation
  • License validation
  • Network communication

The service itself runs in the background without a user interface.


2. GaeaSynergy License Monitor

The License Monitor provides administrators with tools to:

  • Add and remove users
  • Monitor active licenses
  • View active locks
  • Review usage history
  • Audit log activity
  • Manage purchased licenses

The dashboard provides a centralized overview of all network license activity.


Recommended Installation Architecture

For best performance and reliability:

Server Installation

Install the following on the server:

  • Full GaeaSynergy 6 installation
  • GaeaSynergy 6 License Manager
  • Databases
  • Datastore folders

The server installation contains the shared databases required by all users.


Client Installation

Install the client version on each workstation.

Client computers connect to:

  • Shared databases
  • Shared datastore
  • Network license service

Critical Network Setup Requirements

The server folders containing the databases and datastore must:

  • Be shared on the network
  • Have Windows permissions set to:
Full Control

for all GaeaSynergy users.

Improper permissions are one of the most common causes of connection and licensing issues.


Step-by-Step Upgrade Process

Step 1 — Install GaeaSynergy 6

Install Version 6 on the same computer currently running Version 4 or 5.

Do NOT uninstall the older version yet.


Step 2 — Install and Configure the License Manager

Install the network license manager service on your server:

GaeaSynergy6_License_Manager_Setup.exe

The installation automatically:

  • Installs the License Manager application
  • Installs the Windows service
  • Creates Start Menu shortcuts

Step 3 — Start the License Service

The service normally starts automatically after reboot.

To manually start it:

  1. Open Windows Services
  2. Locate: GaeaSynergy 6 License Manager
  3. Click Start

Step 4 — License GaeaSynergy 6

Use the License Monitor utility to:

  • Purchase licenses
  • Register licenses
  • Add additional users
  • Import registration codes

The License Manager supports both:

  • Perpetual licenses
  • Subscription licenses

Step 5 — Upgrade Existing Data

Launch GaeaSynergy 6 and perform the data upgrade:

Tools > Upgrade > From GaeaSynergy Version 4/5

The upgrade process:

  • Copies existing data
  • Converts databases
  • Adds new Version 6 tables
  • Preserves original Version 4/5 data

The upgrade should be completed before creating new Version 6 projects.

The full GaeaSynergy User Guide also includes dedicated sections for importing projects from Version 4 and Version 5.


Step 6 — Configure Client Workstations

On each client computer:

  1. Install GaeaSynergy 6
  2. Open: File > Preferences
  3. Configure:
    • Database folder
    • Datastore folder
    • Network License settings

Under the Network License tab:

  • Set: Networked = Yes
  • Enter the server name or IP address
  • Set the port number to: 3000

The port number for the license manager should always be 3000.


Important Notes

Do NOT Run Version 4/5 and Version 6 Services Together

After testing and validating Version 6:

  • Remove the old Version 4 network service
  • Only run one licensing service at a time

Running both services simultaneously can create conflicts.


Avoid Overwriting Shared Databases

When installing client machines:

  • Do NOT reinstall databases locally
  • Always point clients to the shared server datastore

This prevents accidental overwriting of production data.


Monitoring and Administration

The new License Monitor dashboard allows administrators to:

  • View license utilization in real time
  • Monitor active users
  • Identify unused licenses
  • Track usage history
  • Review audit logs
  • Improve license allocation efficiency

Final Recommendations

Before deploying GaeaSynergy 6 organization-wide:

  • Test the upgrade on a staging machine
  • Verify all projects and data
  • Confirm network permissions
  • Validate client connectivity
  • Train users on the new licensing workflow

Once verified, the Version 6 platform provides a much more scalable and enterprise-ready environment for managing geotechnical, environmental, GIS, and subsurface data.


Need Assistance?

For technical support or licensing assistance:

support@gaeatech.com

For sales inquiries:

sales@gaeatech.com

Additional documentation is available in the official GaeaSynergy User Guide and License Manager Guide.

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