What Is SolidWorks License Manager?

SolidWorks License Manager is a powerful tool that allows users to manage the licenses for their SolidWorks software. It helps organizations effectively distribute and track licenses, ensuring that the software is used efficiently and according to the terms of the license agreement.

Why is SolidWorks License Manager important?

The SolidWorks License Manager plays a crucial role in managing and controlling access to the software. It allows administrators to set up a network license server that controls the distribution of licenses to individual users or workstations. This ensures that only authorized users have access to the software, preventing unauthorized use or piracy.

Key features of SolidWorks License Manager:

  • License tracking: The License Manager provides detailed information about each license, such as who is using it, when it was checked out, and when it will expire. This helps administrators keep track of license usage and make informed decisions about license allocation.
  • License borrowing: Users can borrow a license from the network server for a specified period.

    This is particularly useful for users who need to work offline or remotely without access to the network server.

  • License pooling: The License Manager allows administrators to create pools of licenses for specific groups or departments within an organization. This ensures that licenses are allocated efficiently and fairly based on user requirements.

How does SolidWorks License Manager work?

The SolidWorks License Manager operates through a client-server model. The server component, known as the License Server, manages all available licenses and distributes them to client workstations when requested. The client workstations communicate with the License Server over the network to obtain or return licenses as needed.

The process of obtaining a license:

  1. The user launches SolidWorks on their workstation.
  2. The SolidWorks application sends a request to the License Server for a license.
  3. The License Server checks if a license is available.
  4. If a license is available, the License Server grants the license to the user’s workstation.
  5. The user can now use SolidWorks with the granted license.

The process of returning a license:

  1. The user closes SolidWorks on their workstation.
  2. The SolidWorks application sends a request to release the license back to the License Server.
  3. The License Server receives the request and makes the license available for other users or workstations.

Note: It’s important to ensure that licenses are properly returned to the License Manager when they are no longer in use. This helps optimize license availability and prevent unnecessary restrictions on other users who may need access to SolidWorks.

In conclusion,

SolidWorks License Manager provides organizations with an efficient and secure way of managing their licenses. By centralizing control and tracking, it helps ensure compliance with licensing agreements and prevents unauthorized use.

The ability to track, borrow, and pool licenses enhances flexibility and productivity within an organization. Understanding how SolidWorks License Manager works is essential for administrators and users alike, enabling them to make the most of this powerful tool.