Licensing Model
This page explains the licensing options for the SharePoint Connector, including trial usage, sandbox environments, and production licensing.
Licensing Overview
The SharePoint Connector requires a license for production use. Trial and sandbox usage are available for evaluation purposes.
Trial and Sandbox Usage
Sandbox Environments
You can use the SharePoint Connector in Business Central sandbox environments without a license:
- Full functionality available in trial mode
- No registration key required for sandbox
- Ideal for testing and configuration development
- Limited to sandbox/trial environments
The connector displays this message in sandbox mode:
"Everything is available in trial mode when running the SharePoint Connector in a sandbox"
Production Without License
In a production environment without a registered license, the connector displays:
"This version of the SharePoint Connector is not registered, SharePoint functionality is not available in a production environment without a license."
Trial Behavior
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sandbox | Full functionality, no registration needed |
| Production | Requires registration key for any functionality |
| On-Premises | Requires registration key |
Production Licensing
License Activation
Production use requires a registration key:
- Purchase a license from the publisher
- Receive your registration key
- Enter the key on the registration page (caption "hougaard.com"), opened via the License/Register action on the SharePoint Setup page
- The key is validated via the hougaard.com license server and activated
License Scope
| Scope Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Per Environment | License is typically per BC environment |
| User Count | Check your license terms for user limits |
| Company Count | May cover multiple companies in one environment |
Obtaining a License
Contact Information
To purchase a license or get pricing information:
- Website: https://www.hougaard.com/sharepoint/
- Publisher: hougaard.com
Purchase Process
- Contact the publisher via website
- Discuss your requirements and get a quote
- Complete purchase
- Receive registration key
- Activate in Business Central
License Validation
How Validation Works
The connector periodically validates your license:
- Checks registration key validity via the hougaard.com license server
- Verifies environment type (sandbox vs production)
- Checks expiration date
- Confirms license is active
License status and the expiration date can be checked on the registration page (caption "hougaard.com"), opened via the License/Register action on the SharePoint Setup page. Plan renewal before the expiration date.
Validation Frequency
License validation occurs:
- On setup page access
- Periodically during normal operation
- When using certain features
Multi-Environment Licensing
Multiple Environments
If you have multiple Business Central environments:
| Environment Type | Licensing |
|---|---|
| Production | Requires license per environment |
| Sandbox | Free for evaluation |
| Development | Contact publisher for developer licensing |
Multi-Tenant Considerations
For partners managing multiple tenants:
- Each tenant typically requires its own license
- Volume licensing may be available
- Contact publisher for partner programs
License Features
Feature Availability by License
All licenses include full functionality:
- SharePoint integration
- Table mapping
- Document templates
- Auto-upload
- E-signing integration
- Metadata columns
- Print to SharePoint
Premium Features
Some advanced features may require additional licensing:
| Feature | Licensing |
|---|---|
| E-Signing | Included (requires Adobe Sign or DocuSign subscription) |
| OCR | Included (requires OCR service subscription) |
| Multi-site | Included in standard license |
Compliance and Terms
License Terms
Review the full license terms:
- EULA: https://www.hougaard.com/sharepoint/
- Privacy Policy: https://www.hougaard.com/privacy-policy/
Data Handling
The connector:
- Does not store your documents on third-party servers
- Uses Microsoft APIs for SharePoint access
- May collect anonymized telemetry for improvement
Renewals and Support
License Renewal
- Licenses may have annual renewal terms
- Contact publisher before expiration
- Renewal pricing may differ from initial purchase
Support Inclusion
Check your license terms for included support:
| Support Level | Typical Inclusion |
|---|---|
| Forum Access | Included |
| Email Support | Check license terms |
| Priority Support | May require additional purchase |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the connector without a license?
Yes, in sandbox environments for evaluation. Production use requires a license.
What happens when my license expires?
Contact the publisher for specific terms. Typically, functionality may be limited until renewal.
Can I transfer my license to a new environment?
Contact the publisher to discuss license transfer options.
Is there a free tier?
Sandbox usage is free. Contact the publisher about any free or community editions.