Depending on the size and security posture of an organization, SelectServer can be configured in different ways:
At its core, is a web-based license management system. It acts as the gateway between an organization’s internal network and Bentley Systems, controlling how software licenses are checked out, used, and tracked.
SES essentially performs the same function as SelectServer but is hosted by Bentley in the cloud. bentley selectserver
For IT managers, mastering SelectServer means ensuring that engineers have the tools they need the moment they need them, while simultaneously providing the organization with the data necessary to optimize software spending. As Bentley continues to push toward cloud-first ecosystems, SelectServer remains the foundational technology ensuring that transition remains licensed, compliant, and secure.
Used if your licenses are stored on a server within your own network. Depending on the size and security posture of
Bentley SelectServer is more than just a gatekeeper; it is a strategic asset for engineering firms. Whether running the traditional on-premises version or the modern cloud-based SES, understanding how to configure and monitor this system is essential.
Comprehensive Guide to Bentley SELECTserver: Licensing and Administration For IT managers, mastering SelectServer means ensuring that
Bentley is currently transitioning its licensing system from the older model to the newer Subscription Entitlement Service (SES) . If you are still managing licenses via SELECTserver, it is critical to understand that this system is being phased out, and certain functionalities (like importing from SELECTserver) have already been disabled as of December 2021.
The days of "I need a permanent license for MicroStation on my laptop even though I use it twice a month" are ending. SelectServer replaces that inefficiency with a simple question asked at every launch: "Do you need this right now?" If yes, the license appears. If not, it remains available for someone who does. That is the essence of modern enterprise software — and SelectServer delivers it.
Every Bentley application launched on an engineer’s workstation includes or is accompanied by the Bentley CONNECTION Client . This background service:
SelectServer dynamically enforces the rules: for concurrent licenses, it checks check-in/check-out status; for usage-based, it tracks wall-clock time the application is in focus.