What does an ILOK do?

An iLok serves as a secure licensing mechanism for various audio software applications, effectively acting as a physical USB dongle that stores and manages software licenses. Rather than being tied to a specific computer, the licenses stored on an iLok can be transferred between systems, allowing users to run licensed software on different machines without the need for reactivation or installation. This convenience is pivotal for audio professionals who may switch between workstations in different locations or studios.

The role of an iLok is crucial in ensuring that users have authorized access to the software they’ve purchased, facilitating the management of licenses efficiently while also protecting intellectual property rights in the audio industry. It does not engage in functions such as acting as a MIDI controller, displaying waveform data, or supplying power to external devices, which are tasks associated with other types of hardware and software in audio production.