SNL FAQ's

Frequently asked questions on the SolidWorks Network License (SNL).

1. What is the SolidNetWork License? 
2. What are the benefits of the SolidNetWork License (SNL)?
3. Does the SolidNetWork License support Educational licenses?
4. Is it necessary to shut down SolidWorks in order to release a license for a SolidWorks add-in?
5. How can I check the dongle to make sure the FlexID matches the license file?
6. Do SolidNetWork License (SNL) customers have to use hardware locks (dongles) on client machines?
7. Will SolidWorks force customers to adopt SolidNetWork Licensing (SNL)?
8. Why doesn't SolidNetWork License (SNL) use a hardware-specific security mechanism rather than a dongle?
9. Can SolidWorks customers with stand-alone seats change to the SNL (SolidNetWork License)? 
10. What if a SolidNetWork License (SNL) customer does not purchase subscription service?
11. How does a non-Subscription Service SolidNetWork License (SNL) customer obtain a new license file?
12. Does SolidNetWork License (SNL) support Gold Partner products (add-ins)? 
13. With the SolidNetWork License (SNL), do different add-ins require the same number licenses as SolidWorks installations? 
14. How will SolidNetWork License (SNL) customers get the license files?
15. How does a SolidNetWork License (SNL) customer increase the number of licenses?
16. What is the process for a company to remove licenses from a SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
17. Can SolidNetWork License (SNL) customers have both locked and networked licenses of SolidWorks? 
18. Does the SolidNetWork License (SNL) support multiple installations?
19. What is a SolidNetWork License (SNL) installation?
20. Does the SolidNetWork License (SNL) support installations in different global territories?
21. Can a customer have SolidNetWork Licenses (SNL) distributed from different license servers? For example: 15 seats on one server and 10 on another. 
22. Does the SolidNetWork License (SNL) support a configurable time-out feature? 
23. What happens when a user exceeds the time-out interval using SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
24. What is a SolidNetWork License (SNL) server?
25. How does the SolidNetWork License (SNL) server control SolidWorks licenses? 
26. What happens when the number of SolidWorks licenses is exceeded when running the SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
27. Where is the SolidNetWork License (SNL) setup found? 
28. What is the SolidNetWork License (SNL) server setup? 
29. What is the SolidNetWork License (SNL) client setup? 
30. Who supports the SolidNetWork License Option (SNL)? 
31. Does SolidWorks provide Emergency support for SolidNetWork License (SNL) Clients? 
32. If a company purchases 50 SolidNetWork Licenses (SNL) to support 100 users, do all 100 users have access to web support, downloads, FAQ's, etc.? 
33. Are SolidWorks service packs supported with SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
34. What does the SolidNetWork License (SNL) error message "License server does not support this version of this feature..." mean? 
35. Will I be able to use older versions of SolidWorks with a new SolidNetWork License (SNL) file?
36. How can I tell if problems accessing the SolidNetWork (SNL) license server are caused by my network? 
37. Is SolidWorks Subscription Service required for SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
38. Can SolidNetWork License (SNL) float licenses of 3rd party Solution Partner products?
39. Does SolidNetWork License (SNL) support add-ins?
40. Will the SolidNetWork License run on a Novell server?
41. What are the hardware requirements of the SolidNetWork License? 
42. What are the hardware requirements of the license client?
43. Why does the License Server require a dongle?
44. Can SNL be used in a Novell network?
45. Are there any other requirements for the SolidNetwork License? 
46. Is the SolidNetWork License available to commercial and educational customers outside of the US? 
47. What is the price of the SolidNetWork License?
48. What happens to the Subscription Service when additional users are added?
49. What if a customer does not purchase subscription service?
50. How does a non-Subscription Service SolidNetWork License customer obtain a new license key?
51. Does SolidNetWork License support Gold Partner add-ins?
52. Do different add-ins require the same number licenses?
53. What is the process for a company to take stand-alone licenses and exchange them to a network license?
54. Does the SolidNetWork License support multiple versions of SolidWorks?
55. How does the SolidNetWork License support multiple versions of SolidWorks?
56. Can resellers sell supplemental "Phone/Fax/Email Subscription Contracts" to handle the fact that there will be more users than actual licenses purchased? (Technical support demands will increase for resellers).

 

 

Question : What is the SolidNetWork License? 
 
Answer : The SolidNetWork License is an optional product offering from SolidWorks Corporation that uses FLEXlm from Macrovision Corporation to manage the use of SolidWorks licenses.
 

 

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Question : What are the benefits of the SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
 
Answer : The SolidNetWork License ensures that customer use of the SolidWorks software does not exceed the purchased number of seats. The SolidNetWork License uses a License Server, which grants permission to License Clients to execute SolidWorks. The SolidNetWork License allows multiple concurrent users to access the software in a distributed, work-group environment, while ensuring compliance and flexibility.
 

 

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Question : Does the SolidNetWork License support Educational licenses? 
 
Answer : Yes
 

 

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Question : Is it necessary to shut down SolidWorks in order to release a license for a SolidWorks add-in? 
 
Answer : No, it is not necessary to shut down SolidWorks to release the license for a SolidWorks add-in. Simply un-check the add-in under Tools, Add-ins, and this will release the license.
 

 

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Question : How can I check the dongle to make sure the FlexID matches the license file? 
 
Answer : The FlexID should be printed on the dongle itself. In addition, you can query the dongle to make sure the FlexID stored on the dongle matches the license file. To do this, make sure the dongle is securely fastened to the machine, and the SolidNetWork License software is installed. Start a DOS prompt and change the directory to [SNL_install_directory\utils]. Then type the following command without brackets: [swlmutil lmhostid -Flexid]. This should return the FlexID stored on the dongle. This must match the FlexID in the license file.
 

 

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Question : Do SolidNetWork License (SNL) customers have to use hardware locks (dongles) on client machines? 
 
Answer : No. The SolidNetWork License requires the use of a dongle on the license server, not on the clients.
 

 

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Question : Will SolidWorks force customers to adopt SolidNetWork Licensing (SNL)? 
 
Answer : No. The SolidNetWork License Option is an additional option available with SolidWorks. Customers may continue to meter the use of SolidWorks per the existing SolidWorks License Agreement, or through the use of Solution Partner metering products.
 

 

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Question : Why doesn't SolidNetWork License (SNL) use a hardware-specific security mechanism rather than a dongle? 
 
Answer : Utilizing a hardware dongle maximizes end user control and flexibility, and allows customers to easily change or move license servers without requiring interaction with SolidWorks or the reseller. Changing a license server may be required due to hardware issues or hardware upgrades that take advantages of the latest hardware developments and processor speeds. A non-dongled, hardware-specific security mechanism would require customer interaction with the reseller or SolidWorks in order to obtain new, hardware-specific codes. This is not desirable in production environments in which SolidWorks is deployed.
 

 

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Question : Can SolidWorks customers with stand-alone seats change to the SNL (SolidNetWork License)? 
 
Answer : Yes. SolidWorks customers with stand-alone seats of SolidWorks will be able to change the stand-alone licenses for SolidNetWork Licenses. The SolidNetWork fee applies.
 

 

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Question : What if a SolidNetWork License (SNL) customer does not purchase subscription service? 
 
Answer : Future releases of SolidWorks will not be provided. In addition, the license file will expire after one year, after which SolidWorks will not execute. SolidWorks will NOT automatically provide a new license file. New license files will be provided upon request only.
 

 

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Question : How does a non-Subscription Service SolidNetWork License (SNL) customer obtain a new license file? 
 
Answer : A non-Subscription Service SolidNetWork License customer is not entitled to a new license file for each major revision of SolidWorks. Upon request, the customer will receive a new license file from SolidWorks to replace the expired license file.
 

 

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Question : Does SolidNetWork License (SNL) support Gold Partner products (add-ins)? 
 
Answer : No, the SolidNetWork License is independent of any Gold Partner license management scheme. The license management or metering software used by Gold Partners is not dictated by SolidWorks Corporation.
 

 

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Question : With the SolidNetWork License (SNL), do different add-ins require the same number licenses as SolidWorks installations? 
 
Answer : No, the number of seats for each add-on is independent from each other and from the number of SolidWorks seats.
 

 

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Question : How will SolidNetWork License (SNL) customers get the license files? 
 
Answer : The license file will be sent by SolidWorks via email as an attachment and will be available from the special web site for SolidNetWork Subscription Service customers. A hard copy of the file contents will also be included in the physical shipment of new licenses.
 

 

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Question : How does a SolidNetWork License (SNL) customer increase the number of licenses? 
 
Answer : The customer must issue a purchase order for additional seats. Upon purchase, a new license file allowing additional users will be sent to the system administrator.
 

 

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Question : What is the process for a company to remove licenses from a SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
 
Answer : Changing the number of SolidWorks licenses, either more or less, will require a new license file from SolidWorks.
 

 

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Question : Can SolidNetWork License (SNL) customers have both locked and networked licenses of SolidWorks? 
 
Answer : Yes. Customers may have a mix of stand-alone and SolidNetWork licenses.
 

 

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Question : Does the SolidNetWork License (SNL) support multiple installations? 
 
Answer : Yes, The SolidNetWork License supports multiple site installations in the same global territory.
 

 

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Question : What is a SolidNetWork License (SNL) installation? 
 
Answer : An "installation" refers to each single SolidNetWork License setup. A SolidNetWork License setup is required on each license server. A SolidNetWork customer may have multiple installations that may be located within the same building, different buildings, or even different cities.
 

 

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Question : Does the SolidNetWork License (SNL) support installations in different global territories? 
 
Answer : No, per the SolidWorks license contract, the SolidNetWork License does not support installations in different global territories. The license server must reside in the same global territory as the license clients.
 

 

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Question : Can a customer have SolidNetWork Licenses (SNL) distributed from different license servers? For example: 15 seats on one server and 10 on another. 
 
Answer : Yes, the SolidNetWork licenses provide for multiple installations for commercial customers only. Each installation needs to be identified upon order.
 

 

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Question : Does the SolidNetWork License (SNL) support a configurable time-out feature? 
 
Answer : Yes, The SolidNetWork License optionally supports a configurable time-out feature. The preset minimum is 15 minutes.
 

 

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Question : What happens when a user exceeds the time-out interval using SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
 
Answer : Inactivity beyond the specified interval frees the license for use by another user. The server reclaims the license to the free license pool. When the original user session is no longer idle, a new license will be granted if available. If there is no license available, the user will be able to exit without data loss.
 

 

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Question : What is a SolidNetWork License (SNL) server? 
 
Answer : A license server is a workstation that is set up to serve license clients. The license server grants permission to license clients to execute SolidWorks.
 

 

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Question : How does the SolidNetWork License (SNL) server control SolidWorks licenses? 
 
Answer : The SolidNetWork License Server contains a License File that has information regarding the version of SolidWorks and the number of purchased licenses. The number of concurrent users is based on the number of purchased licenses.
 

 

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Question : What happens when the number of SolidWorks licenses is exceeded when running the SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
 
Answer : The SolidNetWork license monitors the concurrent usage of SolidWorks to ensure that the number of concurrent users does not exceed the number of purchased licenses. Additional concurrent users can not execute SolidWorks once the specified number of users is exceeded.
 

 

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Question : Where is the SolidNetWork License (SNL) setup found? 
 
Answer : All of the SolidNetWork License software is provided on the SolidWorks installation CD. This includes both the license server and license client setups.
 

 

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Question : What is the SolidNetWork License (SNL) server setup? 
 
Answer : The license server setup is a new setup required on the license server. The license server setup is separate from the SolidWorks setup.
 

 

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Question : What is the SolidNetWork License (SNL) client setup? 
 
Answer : The license client setup is part of the standard SolidWorks setup. When installing SolidWorks, the client setup appears only for SolidNetWork License (SNL) installations.
 

 

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Question : Who supports the SolidNetWork License Option (SNL)? 
 
Answer : The SolidWorks Reseller provides first line support for The SolidNetWork License. To limit the number of users contacting the reseller, resellers are encouraged to identify specific users to provide support.
 

 

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Question : Does SolidWorks provide Emergency support for SolidNetWork License (SNL) Clients? 
 
Answer : No, The SolidNetWork License implementation allows administrators to easily change license servers. As a result, emergency service should not be necessary. The SolidNetWork License is easily changed by:

•  moving the dongle to a new server

•  installing the SolidNetWork License Server

•  identifying the new server to all of the license clients
 

 

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Question :If a company purchases 50 SolidNetWork Licenses (SNL) to support 100 users, do all 100 users have access to web support, downloads, FAQ's, etc.? 
 
Answer : Yes.
 

 

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Question :Are SolidWorks service packs supported with SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
 
Answer : Yes, SolidWorks service packs are fully supported.
 

 

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Question : What does the SolidNetWork License (SNL) error message "License server does not support this version of this feature..." mean? 
 
Answer : Most likely, this means you are trying to use an older SolidNetWork License file with a new major release of SolidWorks.
 

 

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Question : Will I be able to use older versions of SolidWorks with a new SolidNetWork License (SNL) file?
 
Answer : Yes, newer license files will support older versions of SolidWorks. However, you will need a new license file for each major release of SolidWorks.
 

 

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Question : How can I tell if problems accessing the SolidNetWork (SNL) license server are caused by my network? 
 
Answer : There are two simple tests you can do:

1) To verify if your local machine can see the server machine over the network, open a DOS window and type the following command: ping [server_name]. If the server machine is accessible, you will get a reply message listing the IP address of the server. If the server machine is not accessible, you will get an error message stating "Bad IP address". A bad IP address can be caused by misspelling the server name, or by network connectivity problems.

 

2) To make sure more complex TCP/IP protocols are being routed properly, try doing a telnet to the port on the server where there FLEXLm server is residing, type: "telnet [server_name] [port_number]". The default SW FLEXlm portNumber is 16560. If you get an error message "connection failed", this indicates that there is insufficient TCP/IP routing between the client and the server. You will need to see your network administrator to get this resolved before SolidNetWork License will work.
 

 

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Question : Is SolidWorks Subscription Service required for SolidNetWork License (SNL)? 
 
Answer : No, The SolidNetWork License does not require subscription service. However, future releases of SolidWorks will not be provided unless some form of Subscription Service is purchased.
 

 

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Question : Can SolidNetWork License (SNL) float licenses of 3rd party Solution Partner products?
 
Answer : No, SNL can only float SolidWorks licenses and those of SolidWorks supplied add-in products, such as PhotoWorks, FeatureWorks, Animator, and Piping.
 

 

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Question :Does SolidNetWork License (SNL) support add-ins?
 
Answer : Yes, the SolidNetWork License fully supports SolidWorks add-ins: PhotoWorks, FeatureWorks, SolidWorks Piping, SolidWorks Animator, Toolbox, PDMWorks, ...
 

 

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Question : Will the SolidNetWork License run on a Novell server? 
 
Answer : The SolidNetWork License does not run on a Novell server.  The SolidNetWork License server requires either Windows XP or 2000, and TCP/IP connectivity.  See the System Requirements page at http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/SystemRequirements.html.
 

 

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Question : What are the hardware requirements of the SolidNetWork License? 
 
Answer : See the System Requirements page at http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/SystemRequirements.html.
 

 

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Question : What are the hardware requirements of the license client?
 
Answer : See the System Requirements page at http://www.solidworks.com/pages/services/SystemRequirements.html.
 

 

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Question : Why does the License Server require a dongle?
 
Answer : The License Server requires a dongle for security. The SolidNetWork License security mechanism is consistent with that of SolidWorks. The use of a hardware dongle allows customers the advantage to easily change or move license servers without requiring interaction with SolidWorks or the reseller.
 

 

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Question : Can SNL be used in a Novell network?
 
Answer : This depends on the network deployed. The SolidNetWork License does not run on a Novell server. The SolidNetWork License server requires either Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000 , and TCP/IP connectivity. Novell servers use their own specific Novell OS.

 

However, a Novell client, which is running Win NT, may be used as an SNL license server . SNL does not care whether a machine is a 'Novell client' as long as the operating system (OS) is Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000.
 

 

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Question : Are there any other requirements for the SolidNetwork License? 
 
Answer : The SolidNetWork license currently allows for home usage as long as the user has continuous network connection to the license server, and licenses are available. When a continuous network connection is not available a customer may request a home usage license. A home usage license will be issued by Order Adminstration upon receipt of a signed copy of the home usage agreement.
 

 

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Question : Is the SolidNetWork License available to commercial and educational customers outside of the US? 
 
Answer : Yes, the SolidNetWork License is available to commercial and educational users worldwide. However, the commercial and education requirements are different, as previously noted.
 

 

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Question : What is the price of the SolidNetWork License?
 
Answer : The SolidNetWork License has an additional charge per seat for commercial customers. Please contact your SolidWorks Reseller for additional details.
 

 

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Question : What happens to the Subscription Service when additional users are added?
 
Answer : The Subscription Service fee will be pro-rated for additional users.  All seats will be tied to the same subscription period.
 

 

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Question : What if a customer does not purchase subscription service?
 
Answer : Future releases of SolidWorks will not be provided. In addition, the license key will expire after one year, after which SolidWorks will not execute. SolidWorks will NOT automatically provide a new license key. New license keys will be provided upon request only.
 

 

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Question : How does a non-Subscription Service SolidNetWork License customer obtain a new license key?
 
Answer : A non-Subscription Service SolidNetWork License customer is not entitled to a new license key for each major revision of SolidWorks. Upon request, the customer will receive a new license key from SolidWorks to replace the expired license key.
 

 

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Question : Does SolidNetWork License support Gold Partner add-ins?
 
Answer : The SolidNetWork License is independent of any Gold Partner license management scheme. The license management or metering software used by Gold Partners is not dictated by SolidWorks Corporation.
 

 

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Question : Do different add-ins require the same number licenses?
 
Answer : No, the number of seats for each add-on is independent from each other and from the number of SolidWorks seats.
 

 

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Question : What is the process for a company to take stand-alone licenses and exchange them to a network license?
 
Answer : Customers who wish to exchange stand-alone licenses to a SolidNetWork License will provide SolidWorks with the individual serial numbers for each seat to be exchanged. The customer will be issued a new serial number, with the appropriate number of dongles and license keys.

 

There will be a one time Administrative fee for educational customers converting 25 or more stand-alone licenses to a SolidNetWork License.  Customers currently using dongles will be required to return the appropriate number of hardware dongles.
 

 

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Question : Does the SolidNetWork License support multiple versions of SolidWorks?
 
Answer : Yes, multiple SolidWorks versions purchased on the initial order or through Subscription Service upgrades are supported.
 

 

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Question : How does the SolidNetWork License support multiple versions of SolidWorks?
 
Answer : The shortcut used by the user to launch SolidWorks determines which version is started. However, the total number of licenses cannot exceed the number of licenses purchased. The license key includes information regarding the number of allowable users for each version.
 

 

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Question : Can resellers sell supplemental "Phone/Fax/Email Subscription Contracts" to handle the fact that there will be more users than actual licenses purchased? (Technical support demands will increase for resellers).
 
Answer : Yes. SolidWorks recommends that resellers encourage and assist SolidNetWork License customers to create an internal support team responsible for coordinating support efforts with the reseller. It is in the best interest of both the reseller and the customer to "limit" the number of users contacting the reseller to the number of concurrent licenses purchased.
 

 

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