“Ding-dong.” The bell of the Named-user Subscription finally rang. After I shared the article “The Differences Between Named-user Subscription and Network Licensing” months ago, many readers have already expressed their concerns about the “Named-user days” and showed curiosity about the Network Licensing. So today, I want to talk more about the Network Licensing, which may be another choice for you. (BTW, there is a surprise you won’t miss at the end!)

Flexibility

The first trouble in front of us is that one Named-user Subscription can only be used by one single user, which means that IT managers will need to purchase licenses for all designers in the company, including those who don’t use it frequently. What a waste. However, by Network Licensing, the nodes in the server can be allocated flexibly, which means that a limited amount of licenses can be used by users of more than that amount, greatly maximizing software utilization while minimizing the cost. [caption id="attachment_2471" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Figure 1. Allocate nodes flexibly by Network Licensing[/caption] According to what I’ve learned from many users, this way is actually very practical, because usually, designers are not using the software at the same time. For example, if David needs to use the software in the morning, and Ben in the afternoon, then they can share only one node. This peak-shifting usage is especially useful for companies with a large number of users, and the transnational ones in which designers are in different time zones.

Friendliness

Now you may wonder, will it be troublesome to acquire licenses from the server? It can be easier than entering your usernames and passwords. You just need to enter the IP or name of your server as the pic below shows. Yes, that’s it. Connected with the server, the licenses can be obtained automatically after starting the software and returned after exiting. [caption id="attachment_2472" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Figure 2. Enter the IP or name of the server to acquire network licenses[/caption] What if users cannot stay connected with the server because of business trips or other reasons? No worries. Users can borrow licenses from the server and use the software with a softkey for 180 days without the Internet. What’s more, licenses can be returned automatically if they haven’t been used by a client for a specific period of time. Different product versions (Standard, Professional, and Mechanical) can also be allocated to specific users. So friendly and flexible.

Security

Due to the security requirements, the servers in many companies cannot connect with the Internet, or WAN (Wide Area Network). Network Licensing can also help with this case – activating by the server with the internet for once, users can activate, distribute and return the licenses only with the LAN (Local Area Network) afterward, ensuring companies’ data security. Moreover, offline activation (click here to learn more) is also available for higher security requirements. [caption id="attachment_2473" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Figure 3. Offline activation[/caption]

Easy Management

However, the higher the flexibility is, the more difficult the management will be. Last time, I’ve also introduced NLAT (Network License Analysis Tool), a little tool developed by ZWSOFT for IT managers to better manage the license usage. With it, IT managers can check the number of all licenses being used in real-time, and the overall situation including the type of licenses, hostname, product versions, the start and end time, and the hours of use. They can also check the usage during a specific period of time by product filter and time filter, and export the data to .xlsx or .csv files. [caption id="attachment_2474" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Figure 4. Network License Analysis Tool developed by ZWSOFT[/caption] To summarize, if you need to manage a certain number of licenses and want to have a clear overall picture of them, NLAT can be a good helper.

One Good News

Flexible, friendly and secure. That’s what I would conclude for Network Licensing. Together with NLAT, you’ll find how CAD software can help get your design work done perfectly while saving your cost. And the good news is, all I’ve just mentioned can be realized in ZWCAD. Why not have a try?

Another Good News

In order to let you better experience the benefits of Network Licensing, from August 18 to December 31, 2020, we offer 30-day FREE ZWCAD Network Licenses and FREE NLAT (worth USD 499) to you. It’s especially recommended to companies with more than 20 designers. Apply here and we will give the offer to you by email within 48 working hours. There will also be one-on-one setting assistance for you. Join now! If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to leave comments below.