Can't Update License from License Server

[huppbrian]

I recently bought a used PA-200 off ebay just to play with and learn on. It's been factory reset and has no licenses loaded. I am unable update the license from the license server. I do not have a support contract. I suspect I'm just hosed, but wanted to ask just in case whether I have any options.

[Remo]

Hi @huppbrian

Without a valid support contract your PA-200 is not allowed to connect to the update servers for downloading PAN-OS releases. Additionally if you also want to play with additional features like URL filtering, threat prevention or wildfire you also need a licence for these in addition to the maintenance subscription.

The PaloAlto sales team will probably be able to help you.

[huppbrian]

Yeah. I called sales. They say they're no longer selling support licenses for the PA-200. Recommended I buy a PA-220, but I don't have $1000 (just for the unlicensed box) to spend on a toy.

[Remo]

@huppbrian

Hmn ... that sounds awful. But I don't really understand as the PA-200 did not reach end-of-sale so far (even if it is close to) ...

@reaper

Can you may be help someone who likes to play and learn with a PA-200 and is also willing to pay for a maintenance subscription? Shouldn't a LAB licence be enough in such a situation?

[reaper]

Erm 

We still sell those, not sure who you talked to and why they told you that 😕

We stop selling new PA-200 appliances on October 31st, you will still be able to get support licences  until then

A LAB license would be ideal, but it depends if you purchased a LAB unit or a production unit for it to accept such a license

Luckily, you can request to have a production device switched into a LAB unit

[huppbrian]

Okay, now I'm REALLY confused.

I sent an e-mail to sales using their web contact form. They replied saying that PA doesn't sell directly to the public, and that I would have to make arrangements for my employer to purchase the license for me. That's not going to be possible, so I asked if there was a third-party reseller I could work through. I haven't heard back from them yet.

[huppbrian]

What's the difference between a lab unit and a production unit? I suspect mine is a production unit that some company replaced.

[reaper]

We do work through resellers to get you all the bits and pieces you need, but sales should have simply directed you to the nearest one (I'm sending you an email)

The difference between a lab and a production device is that you're not allowed to put a lab device in production and vice versa as the licenses for lab devices are cheaper etc. 

For your purposes (home user using the device for education) the LAB license scheme is best (cheaper + you don't have 'production' traffic as you're not a company)