General Questions
1. Who is SystemLink right for?
Engineering teams managing multiple test stations—often with a mix of NI (PXI, cRIO, DAQ) and third-party hardware—who need centralized tools to manage systems, deploy software, monitor calibration, and gain actionable test insights.
2. What are the typical use cases for the new edition of SystemLink?
- Remote software configuration and system monitoring
- Deploy software, manage calibration data, monitor system health, track assets connected to your test system
- Monitor TestStand, view test sequences, results, and get statistics on measurement data
- View live data from LabVIEW, FlexLogger, or TDMS files
3. Where can I find the pricing info?
Pricing information and a table with selection options can be found directly on ni.com/systemlink.
4. How can I buy SystemLink?
You can get the license immediately, download the software, and pay with your credit card on ni.com/systemlink. Alternatively, contact your NI account manager or local distributor.
5. Is SystemLink hard to set up, do I need professional services?
No! Installing and setting up the new edition of SystemLink should take less than an hour, especially for customers familiar with NI software. It does not require professional services to get started.
6. What if I need help installing the new edition of SystemLink?
The new edition of SystemLink includes SSP. The NI support team is trained to handle questions and provide guidelines. If you would like a turnkey solution, NI Partners can help—consult the right partner on ni.com/findapartner.
7. Can I install/deploy SystemLink to the cloud / on premises?
Yes! SystemLink can be installed in the cloud or on premises. Deployment depends on your environment's constraints and IT guidance.
8. I tried SystemLink in the past. What is the difference now?
SystemLink has seen significant enhancements across all editions, including a new edition that offers systems and software management, test monitoring for TestStand users, waveform data management for FlexLogger users, asset tracking, and file management. This edition complements SystemLink Server and Enterprise editions, offering a low barrier to entry.
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Licensing and Packaging
9. What does the licensing look like?
SystemLink uses a subscription license. The server license is managed via VLA, EA, or VLM. User and node management is handled within the product, requiring minimal IT support.
10. Are all SystemLink editions included in an Enterprise Agreement (EA)?
No. SystemLink is not automatically included in an EA, but you can include any edition as needed.
11. What is the definition of a “node” in the SystemLink pricing model?
SystemLink Nodes are hardware targets running the SystemLink Client to perform remote functions based on instructions from the SystemLink Server. A node can be a PXI system, CompactRIO controller, Windows PC with instruments or DAQ boards connected via USB, Ethernet, or GPIB. Web application users are not counted as nodes.
12. How many nodes are included in my SystemLink license?
The new edition of SystemLink is available in two sizes:
- Small: Supports up to 10 nodes
- Medium: Supports up to 25 nodes
If a node is removed from the server, its license is immediately freed and can be reassigned.
13. How many users can access the SystemLink web app?
- Small edition: Up to 5 users
- Medium edition: Up to 10 users
User licenses reset every 30 days. If a user hasn’t accessed the system during that time, their license can be reassigned.
14. Can I connect two SystemLink instances together if I need more nodes or users?
No. Each SystemLink instance operates independently. If you need to scale beyond 10 users or 25 nodes, contact NI for a solution.
15. Is it possible to add a TDM Node to SystemLink Base?
No, SystemLink Base does not support adding TDM Nodes. To use TDM functionality, consider using SystemLink Server instead.
16. Can I add SystemLink to an existing VLA or EA?
Yes. You can add SystemLink to your existing Volume License Agreement (VLA) or Enterprise Agreement (EA) during renewal or via an amendment. Contact your NI sales representative to get started.
17. Can I get a perpetual license for SystemLink?
The new edition of SystemLink is only available through a subscription model. If you require a perpetual license, a different edition may be recommended. Contact NI for details.
18. Can I purchase SystemLink through an NI distributor?
Yes. The new edition of SystemLink can be purchased through NI distributors and partners trained to support the offering. For complex needs, contact your NI representative.
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Product Features
19. Do I need a server to use SystemLink?
Yes. You can use a PC on premises or a cloud server. Installation takes about 40 minutes. Clients or nodes connect to the server via a web application.
20. Do I need my testers to have internet access to use SystemLink?
Not necessarily. If your server is on premises and on an internal network, internet access is not required.
Consult the applicable Readme documents, available via this link.
22. Is SystemLink a web-based version of MAX?
No. MAX is for single system setup and configuration. SystemLink is for managing multiple networked systems centrally.
23. Is SystemLink compatible with the rest of the NI software and hardware?
Yes. SystemLink integrates with LabVIEW, TestStand, and FlexLogger, and supports most NI hardware—including PXI (Windows and RT), cRIO (RT), DAQ devices, and instruments connected to Windows or Linux RT systems. It also supports third-party hardware, making it ideal for mixed environments.
24. How does SystemLink integrate with LabVIEW?
- Deploy LabVIEW apps via package-based installers
- Use LabVIEW APIs for tags, files, test results, and messages
- Supports Jupyter Notebooks for custom analysis
25. How does SystemLink integrate with TestStand?
SystemLink integrates out-of-the-box with TestStand. Configure result options in the sequencer and use the SystemLink add-on for test steps.
26. How does SystemLink support Python integration?
- Deploy Python code via packages
- Use Web APIs to send tag values and files
- Extend remote execution with Python jobs
- Use Jupyter Notebooks for server-side analysis and automation
27. Can SystemLink deploy non-NI software?
Yes. SystemLink can deploy any software packaged in a supported format. For Windows systems, the software must be in NI Package (.nipkg) format; for NI Linux Real-Time systems, it must use the open embedded package format (.ipk). LabVIEW and command-line tools are available to help you create these packages.
28. Does SystemLink support non-NI hardware?
Yes. SystemLink supports any system running Windows 10 or higher and can automatically detect third-party instruments via NI VISA. This includes third-party LXI, USB-TMC, and some GPIB devices. Calibration data is only available out-of-the-box for NI devices but can be added programmatically or through the web interface for non-NI devices.
29. How does SystemLink work with an unstable connection? Does it buffer data?
- Test results and asset data: buffered
- File ingestion: flexible local/server storage
- Tag data: no built-in buffer; must be handled in application logic
SystemLink uses open-source technology standards with large developer communities. NI selected these technologies for their high performance and scalability. For specific performance data and impact analysis, NI encourages customers to evaluate SystemLink within their own network.
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SystemLink Editions
31. How many editions of SystemLink exist?
There are 3 editions:
- SystemLink: Meant for small labs and individual engineers
- SystemLink Server: Offers customization and flexibility for multiple labs
- SystemLink Enterprise: Offers customization and flexibility for multiple labs
32. Is the new SystemLink replacing the version I have today?
No. If you're using SystemLink Server or Enterprise, you can continue with your current version. As your needs evolve, you can migrate between editions or deploy different editions across your organization and share data for a unified view.
33. Is SystemLink Server or Enterprise being “End of Life” (EOL)’d?
No. NI continues to invest in all SystemLink editions, enhancing features and flexibility to meet diverse needs. Improvements to lab management and data visualization workflows are ongoing.
34. Is NI doing anything to bring a common experience to the different SystemLink editions?
Yes. NI is working to unify the user experience across all editions. Each edition supports specific workflows and is designed to meet diverse user needs.
Consider the number of nodes and users you need. Compare features across editions using the functionality table. For guidance, contact your NI representative.
36. What are the biggest differences between SystemLink and SystemLink Server?
SystemLink Server can extract data from any measurement file using data plugins and supports automation and custom analysis. SystemLink works only with data published through TestStand, LabVIEW, or FlexLogger and offers a fixed set of analysis tools and dashboards.
37. What is the difference between Parametric/Analog Data from TestStand/FlexLogger in SystemLink and Parametric/Analog Data extracted from files in SystemLink Server?
SystemLink Server uses plugins to parse data from various measurement files, enabling indexing, search, and retrieval across formats. SystemLink only supports data published directly from TestStand, LabVIEW, or FlexLogger, without broader file extraction capabilities.
38. Can I work with any NI partner on my SystemLink project?
Yes. You can collaborate with any authorized NI partner. NI’s preferred SystemLink partners include:
- DMC (North America)
- measX (EMEA)
- IRS (Italy, Spain, Portugal)
Find a partner at ni.com/findapartner.
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Security Technical Questions
39. What security features does SystemLink provide?
- TLS encryption for data communications
- LDAP, AD, and Windows authentication
- User authentication and role-based access control
- Secure web server with certificate-based TLS
40. How is API access authenticated/authorized?
Users are authenticated via Windows, AD, or LDAP credentials. Authorization is managed through the NI Web Server configuration utility.
41. How is access to export-controlled data authenticated and authorized?
Access is managed through user authentication and authorization at the SystemLink server level. While SystemLink doesn’t offer specific features for export-controlled data, access is restricted based on user roles and permissions.
42. Is Firewall configuration necessary?
Usually not. SystemLink’s network communication aligns with common IT standards. If node-server communication fails post-installation, consult your IT team, as firewall settings may vary.
43. What ports need to be open to support SystemLink?
SystemLink uses the following ports:
- Web Application: 80 (HTTP) or 443 (HTTPS with TLS)
- Salt: 4505 and 4506
The installation process typically handles port configuration. If blocked by IT security software, administrators may need to intervene. SystemLink does not open ports on client devices.
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Third-Party Technology Integration
Yes. Data can be exported in CSV format for use in BI tools. SystemLink also provides HTTP APIs for automated access to dynamic data like test results, tags, and files, enabling integration with custom dashboards or third-party platforms.
45. Is there an integration/interface from SystemLink or TestStand to SAP?
SystemLink does not offer a built-in or pre-configured integration with SAP. However, it provides a rich set of APIs—HTTP, Python, LabVIEW, and .NET—that can be used to build custom integrations. Since SAP also exposes many of its functions via HTTP endpoints, developers can use SystemLink’s APIs to connect the two systems based on specific business needs.
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