> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.inels.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.inels.com/inels-harmony/administration/step-3-licence-and-harmony-cloud.md).

# Step 3 · Licence and Harmony Cloud

Activate the trial or a purchased licence, and understand what the cloud is for.

The licence caps how many gateways this installation may have. Apply it **before** you start adding gateways, or you will hit the ceiling halfway through and have to stop.

Go to **Licensing**.

## What is on the page

| Panel                           | What it does                                                                                                  |
| ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Harmony Cloud**               | Whether this server is registered, and which licence tier it is on                                            |
| **Activate or upgrade license** | Where you paste a purchased `HRM-…` key                                                                       |
| **Firmware update**             | Installs new Harmony versions — see [Keeping it running](/inels-harmony/administration/keeping-it-running.md) |

## The free trial

Every fresh installation starts on a trial licence allowing **five gateways**, with **no time limit**. For a small property that may be all it ever needs — there is nothing to buy and nothing to activate.

When you try to add a sixth gateway, Harmony refuses and tells you the current limit. Nothing breaks and nothing already configured is lost.

## Requesting a licence

If the property needs more than five gateways:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Count the gateways, not the rooms

One BUS unit may serve many rooms, so the gateway count is what the licence is sized against. Count the units you plan to install before you ask.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Request the licence from ElkoEP

Through your usual iNELS partner or support contact, quoting the property and the number of gateways required.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### ElkoEP issues the key

It arrives in the form `HRM-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX`.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Applying the key

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Check the cloud connection

Look at the Harmony Cloud panel at the top of the page. Activation is verified through the cloud, so the server needs outbound internet for this step — just this step.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Paste the key

Into **Harmony license key**. Paste, never type: a single mistyped character is the most common reason activation fails.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Click Apply license

A message appears below the field within a few seconds.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Confirm the new limits

The tier badge beside "Harmony Cloud" updates, and the gateway allowance changes to that of your licence. You can now carry on adding gateways where you left off.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## What the cloud is and is not

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="What it is used for" %}

* Registering the installation against its project in Harmony Portal
* Verifying and upgrading the licence
* Publishing and downloading software updates

That is the complete list.
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="What it is NOT used for" %}

* Running the hotel. Bookings, room control, cards and housekeeping all work with the internet cable unplugged.
* Storing guest data off site.

A hotel with no permanent internet connection can run Harmony perfectly well. It needs a connection when the licence is applied and when an update is installed, and at no other time.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

## If activation fails

<details>

<summary>"Cloud not reachable"</summary>

The server has no outbound internet. Check the default gateway and DNS settings on the server itself, then retry.

</details>

<details>

<summary>"Invalid key"</summary>

Re-copy the key. Watch for a trailing space, and for `0` versus `O`.

</details>

<details>

<summary>"Already in use"</summary>

The key is registered to a different server. Contact your supplier — keys are tied to one installation.

</details>