We want to run Tableau on Azure Labs virtual machines. Each student is assigned a VM and that is persistent for the duration of their course unless it needs to be reset. We have some licenses under the Academic Program but I'm not sure which would be best to use.
I don't think we can activate in the template VM as student VMs are exact clones. We also have no management options for the machines. So, I'm thinking we have to ask the students to activate themselves after the first logon. I don't want to give them the bulk Lab license code as this could be abused. I did look at login-based licensing but I don't think our Tableau Online license has this enabled. The other option is to share the bulk Student license but that could also be abused and they would need to use it at home as well meaning we'd need double the number of licenses (?).
What would be the recommended way of handling this situation?
You could also update the script to activate and setup Tableau's Virtual Desktop so that we can handle the returns on the back end when the students are done with their class. It sounds like the student would log into the same VM and a longer duration period could be used. Information on setting up Virtual Desktop is here: https://help.tableau.com/current/desktopdeploy/en-us/desktop_deploy_license_deactivate.htm
You are correct, students can use that key if it is exposed but the good news is that the key is only valid for one year. Once the key has expired, the ability to use Tableau Desktop will stop. Encourage students to apply for their own personal student license free and good for one year. A very easy process to just fill out a simple form. You have a dilemma for sure!
