It is important for companies to fully understand the benefits and drawbacks for each licensing option available when purchasing new software packages, as the chosen license often has a direct impact on the end user’s workflow. SOLIDWORKS has a variety of licensing types to fit the needs of any organization. Network licensing and Named-User licensing are two options that provide flexibility beyond the traditional node-locked licensing that locks a license to a single computer.

What’s the big difference between SOLIDWORKS Network and Named-User Licensing?

The main differentiator between Named User licensing and Network licensing is how and when different users can access the software. Generally, Network licensing allows any number of users to access the software by pulling a license from a ‘pool’ of available licenses. On the other hand, Named User licensing ties a specific user to each license, meaning that one user can work from any number of devices.

What is SOLIDWORKS Network Licensing?

Network licensing generally works best for teams that work in the same physical location, otherwise a VPN connection is needed to activate a license from the organization’s network. You can also check a Network license out to a specific machine if you are off-site or away from an internet connection. Typical use cases involve companies purchasing a certain number of ‘seats’ to the software. The number of seats purchased equates to the number of employees that can access the software concurrently. This licensing strategy can save money for teams that do not need to use the software every single day. You might only need to purchase 5 seats for your 8 person team if you know that they work at different times. As mentioned above, network licensing typically utilizes local network access to provide licenses to users. It’s best suited for companies with flexible teams looking to save costs at the expense of capability.

If you are considering Network Licensing, it is important to consider the ratio of how many total users to how many concurrent users you plan on. This will be important to determine if the need justifies the cost, as Network licenses do have a higher per-license cost. Contact us today to help determine the best fit for you!

Benefits of SOLIDWORKS Network Licensing

• Purchased based on the required number of concurrent ‘seats’, not total number of users

• Many different users can access the software so long as a seat is available on the network

Drawbacks of SOLIDWORKS Network Licensing

• Local network access (or VPN) is required for users

• Access will be denied if no seats are available

• Requires a dedicated local network server to provide licenses

• Managing license serial numbers can be troublesome

What is SOLIDWORKS Named-User Licensing?

Unlike Network licensing, Named User licensing ties software access to specific users. Licenses are purchased based on the exact number of employees that need access to the software. Administrators can assign varying levels of access with ease to each of their employees, and those employees can access their assigned software from any number of compatible devices. There is no need to manually deactivate or reactivate licenses when switching between devices. The license is automatically released once SOLIDWORKS is closed.

Similar to Network licensing, Named-User licensing requires an internet connection to use the license, but it is not required to be your organization’s network and no VPN is required. You can also check out a Named-User license to a given machine if you know there is going to be a lack of internet connection.

Benefits of SOLIDWORKS Named-User Licensing

• Users can access their software from anywhere, anytime

• Administrators can easily adjust software access for individuals or groups of users

• No local server is required for license hosting

• No serial numbers to manage and store

Drawbacks of SOLIDWORKS Named-User Licensing

• Only the assigned user may access the software

• Access must be purchased for each user of the software

In conclusion, both Named User & Network licensing provide seamless access for all SOLIDWORKS and 3DEXPERIENCE users within an organization. Administrators should carefully consider both options before choosing which solution is best for their company. If you are still unsure of which option is best for your organization, connect with our team to ensure you are confident in your decision!