Can You Buy SolidWorks Permanently?
If you are a CAD enthusiast or a professional designer, you might have undoubtedly heard of SolidWorks. SolidWorks is a powerful 3D CAD software that allows users to design and simulate products in a virtual environment. With its wide range of tools and capabilities, it has become the go-to choice for many engineers and designers around the world.
Understanding SolidWorks Licensing
Before we dive into the question of whether you can buy SolidWorks permanently, it is essential to understand how SolidWorks licensing works.
SolidWorks offers two primary types of licenses – perpetual license and subscription license.
Perpetual License
A perpetual license allows you to own the software indefinitely. It provides you with the right to use a particular version of SolidWorks for as long as you want without any time restrictions. With a perpetual license, you typically pay an upfront fee to purchase the software outright.
Subscription License
A subscription license, also known as a term license or rental license, provides access to the software for a specific period. This period can be yearly or monthly, depending on your subscription plan. Subscription licensing usually involves paying an annual or monthly fee to continue using the software.
The Current State of SolidWorks Licensing
In recent years, Dassault Systèmes, the company behind SolidWorks, has shifted its focus towards subscription-based licensing models. This means that purchasing a perpetual license for newer versions of SolidWorks may not be available directly from Dassault Systèmes.
However, at present, there are still options available if you prefer to buy SolidWorks permanently.
Authorized Resellers
One way to obtain a perpetual license for SolidWorks is through authorized resellers. These resellers often offer various licensing options, including perpetual licenses, subscription licenses, and lease licenses. They can guide you through the purchasing process and help you choose the best licensing option based on your needs.
It’s important to note that purchasing a perpetual license from an authorized reseller may involve additional costs compared to subscription licensing.
Considerations Before Buying SolidWorks Permanently
Before deciding whether to buy SolidWorks permanently, there are a few factors you should consider:
- Cost: Perpetual licenses usually have a higher upfront cost compared to subscription licenses. Consider your budget and long-term usage requirements before making a decision.
- Software Updates: With a perpetual license, you may not have access to the latest updates and features released after your purchase.
Subscription licenses often include regular software updates as part of the package.
- Support and Maintenance: Check if your perpetual license purchase includes any support or maintenance services. Subscription licenses usually provide dedicated technical support from the software vendor.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, while Dassault Systèmes has shifted its focus towards subscription-based licensing models for newer versions of SolidWorks, it is still possible to purchase a perpetual license through authorized resellers. However, it is essential to carefully consider factors such as cost, software updates, and support before deciding on the licensing model that best suits your needs.
If you are looking for flexibility and regular software updates, a subscription license might be a better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer complete ownership of the software with no time restrictions, a perpetual license might be the way to go.
Ultimately, the choice between buying SolidWorks permanently or opting for a subscription license depends on your individual requirements and preferences.