Managing plugin license keys efficiently in a multi-tenant WordPress environment is crucial. The automation of license key activations can differ based on the licensing model of the plugin used.
Automating License Key Activation
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Separate Premium Plugin:
- When a premium plan is offered as a separate plugin, having the plugin in the version is sufficient.
- Examples: Rank Math, All in One Migration.
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Generic License Key:
- For plugins using a generic license key for unlimited or seated license plans, ensure the license keys are included in the Version before creating a snapshot.
- This approach guarantees that the license keys are present in the Tenant's database upon provisioning.
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Seated License Key with Different Activation Keys:
- If a plugin uses a seated license model with different activation keys for each seat, custom code might be necessary.
- This typically involves a must-use plugin that runs PHP in combination with lifecycle hooks.
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PHP Constants for License Activation:
- PHP Constants can be defined at the Version level.
- This method allows for the automatic loading of license keys into tenants, simplifying the process significantly.
Process Flow for License Key Activation
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Determining License Key Storage:
- License keys can be stored in wp-config.php or the database.
- The method of activation differs based on the storage location.
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Using PHP Constants in the Tenant Overview:
- For license keys stored in wp-config.php, manually define them as PHP constants in the tenant overview.
- Constants should include the 'NAME' and 'KEY', e.g., define ('ACF_PRO_LICENSE', 'your_license_key');.
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Activating Database-Stored License Keys:
- For plugins storing license keys in the database, use the Tenant Lifecycle Hooks to trigger a PHP snippet.
- The Code Snippets plugin can be used for storing and activating these keys.
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Leveraging Lifecycle Hooks:
- Utilize Tenant Lifecycle Hooks like wpcs_tenant_created to automate the activation of license keys stored in the database.
- This approach is ideal for plugins where license keys can be activated directly from the plugin's overview.
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Creating Snapshots with Pre-Activated Plugins:
- Ensure that when creating snapshots, all necessary plugins and their license keys are activated and configured.
- New tenants created from these snapshots will inherit these configurations, automating license key activation.
Conclusion
Automating the activation of plugin license keys in Wildcloud's multi-tenant WordPress environment is a crucial aspect of efficient WaaS management. By understanding the different methods and utilizing wildcloud's PHP Constants and Lifecycle Hooks, administrators can streamline this process, ensuring smooth operations across all tenants.