What is customer hardware key in SAP BC-CST - Client/Server Technology?

SAP Term: customer hardware key

• Component: BC-CST

• Component Name: Client/Server Technology

• Description: An 11-character key displayed by the SAP System when you enter in the system running the message server the command saplicense -get for UNIX and NT or saplicense '-get' for AS/400. The hardware key is used to determine the license key.

Smart SAP Assistant

• Key Concepts: 
  A customer hardware key is a physical device used to protect the software license of an SAP system. It is a dongle that is connected to the server and contains a unique code that is used to identify the system. The customer hardware key is used to ensure that only authorized users can access the system and that the software license is not misused. 
  
  How to use it: 
  The customer hardware key must be connected to the server in order for the system to be able to access it. The key must be connected before the system can be started up. Once the key is connected, the system will recognize it and allow access. 
  
  Tips & Tricks: 
  It is important to keep the customer hardware key in a secure location, as it contains sensitive information about the system. It should also be kept away from any sources of heat or moisture, as this could damage the key and render it unusable. 
  
  Related Information: 
  The customer hardware key is part of SAP's BC-CST Client/Server Technology, which provides secure access to SAP systems. This technology also includes other components such as user authentication, encryption, and authorization.