When it comes to managing software licenses for a professional engineering environment, understanding the available options and their benefits is crucial. One such powerful tool is the SolidNetWork License Manager, a network license server application from SOLIDWORKS Corporation. This article aims to inform users about the SolidNetWork License Manager, the differences between SOLIDWORKS standalone and network deployment licenses, and the advantages of choosing the right license for your organization.
What is the SolidNetWork License Manager?
The SolidNetWork License Manager is a network license server application designed by SOLIDWORKS Corporation. It efficiently utilizes FLEXlm from Macrovision Corporation to manage SOLIDWORKS licenses, offering IT administrators the control they need. This server software service provides licenses to client workstations, ensuring that licenses are used effectively and efficiently.
Standalone vs. Network Deployment Licenses
Standalone licenses are intended for individual users of SOLIDWORKS or related products such as Simulation, Composer, or Electrical. These licenses use an “Activate/Deactivate” mechanism to entitle the software for use after installation or to move the license to another device. Activation is a one-time process requiring internet or email access, but once activated, the software can be used offline.
On the other hand, network deployment licenses offer a cost-effective solution, allowing you to maximize your investment across a community of users. The SolidNetWork License Manager employs a client/server distributed licensing approach, where access to the software is granted by a license server installed on your network. This ensures that your SOLIDWORKS investment is utilized efficiently, making it a smart choice for businesses.
Benefits of the SolidNetWork License (SNL)
The SolidNetWork License (SNL) ensures that clients stay within purchased license limits while using SOLIDWORKS software. It facilitates multiple concurrent users to access the software in a distributed workgroup environment, providing both license compliance and flexibility. For instance, if a company acquires 50 SNL licenses for 100 users, all 100 users can access online support and downloads.
SOLIDWORKS recommends that Resellers encourage and assist SNL clients in creating an internal support team to coordinate support with the Reseller. This helps cap the number of users contacting the Reseller to the number of concurrent licenses purchased, ensuring efficient support management.
Cost of SOLIDWORKS Network Licenses
Each network license server requires a SolidNetWork License Manager installation license, which costs $4,000 one-time perpetually. Network deployment licenses are generally more expensive than standalone ones, but they often prove more economical in the long run.
(Example A) For example, consider an organization with five engineers: two use the software full-time, and the remaining three approve designs, create initial concepts, or develop CNC code. In this scenario, moving to a network license makes economic sense, offering savings in the long term.
(Example B) However, if three engineers use the software full-time and the remaining two have other duties, network licenses might be more expensive than standalone licenses for the entire group.
(Note: pricing is as of 07/01/2024 and is provided for illustration purposes only; please consult with our current license prices)
Example A: five engineers, 2 full-time, 3 part-time
| Standalone Licenses | Price | Users | Year-1 | Year-2 | Year-3 | Year-4 | Year-5 |
| SOLIDWORKS Professional | 5,765 | 5 | 28,825 | – | – | – | – |
| SOLIDWORKS Professional Service 1 Year | 1,819 | 5 | 18,190 | – | 9,095 | 9,095 | 9,095 |
| 47,015 | 47,015 | 56,110 | 65,205 | 74,300 | |||
| Network Licenses | |||||||
| SolidNetwork Server Installation License | 4,000 | 1 | 4,000 | – | – | – | – |
| SOLIDWORKS Professional Network | 8,648 | 3 | 25,944 | – | – | – | – |
| SOLIDWORKS Professional Network Service 1 Year | 2,243 | 3 | 13,458 | – | 6,729 | 6,729 | 6,729 |
| 43,402 | 43,402 | 50,131 | 56,860 | 63,589 |
Example B: five engineers, 3 full-time, 2 part-time
| Standalone Licenses | Price | Users | Year-1 | Year-2 | Year-3 | Year-4 | Year-5 |
| SOLIDWORKS Professional | 5,765 | 5 | 28,825 | – | – | – | – |
| SOLIDWORKS Professional Service 1 Year | 1,819 | 5 | 18,190 | – | 9,095 | 9,095 | 9,095 |
| 47,015 | 47,015 | 56,110 | 65,205 | 74,300 | |||
| Network Licenses | |||||||
| SolidNetwork Server Installation License | 4,000 | 1 | 4,000 | – | – | – | – |
| SOLIDWORKS Professional Network | 8,648 | 4 | 34,592 | – | – | – | – |
| SOLIDWORKS Professional Network Service 1 Year | 2,243 | 4 | 17,944 | – | 8,972 | 8,972 | 8,972 |
| 56,536 | 56,536 | 65,508 | 74,480 | 83,452 |
Products Eligible for SOLIDWORKS Network License Manager (SNL)
Almost every SOLIDWORKS product is available for network deployment, with a few notable exceptions such as SOLIDWORKS Electrical Standard. The SolidNetWork License Server contains a license file with information about the SOLIDWORKS version and the number of licenses purchased, controlling the number of concurrent users.
Upgrading Standalone Licenses to SNL
Clients with standalone SOLIDWORKS licenses can upgrade to SolidNetWork licenses, with SolidNetWork pricing applying. Clients must provide SOLIDWORKS with the serial number of each license deployment to be converted, and they will receive a new serial number or have licenses added to an existing network serial number.
Installing the SOLIDWORKS Network License Manager
The SolidNetWork License Manager is installed on a server computer and distributes SOLIDWORKS licenses on your network, licensing all SOLIDWORKS components. Network licenses are activated on the server, not the client workstation. The activation process involves several steps, including providing firewall information and selecting activation methods. For details on this topic visit Administering Licenses Using a SolidNetWork License Manager
Borrowing SOLIDWORKS Network Licenses
If you need to access SOLIDWORKS Network licenses from a remote location and cannot access your server remotely, you can borrow licenses for up to 30 days. This allows you to use the software remotely, with the borrowed license removed from the server pool.
To borrow a license, start the SolidNetWork License Manager on the client machine, select the borrowing tab, choose the products to borrow, and confirm the action.
Conclusion
The SolidNetWork License Manager is a powerful tool for managing SOLIDWORKS licenses, offering benefits such as cost savings, flexibility, and efficient license use. By understanding the differences between standalone and network licenses and evaluating your organization’s needs, you can make informed decisions about the best licensing option for your team. Working closely with your SOLIDWORKS reseller can further help you determine the most economical and efficient path for your software licensing needs.
