5 Advantages of Switching to 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS instead of Online Licensing

DS announced the phasing out of SOLIDWORKS online licensing. SOLIDWORKS 2022 does not offer this licensing methodology, and it will stop working for prior versions in February of 2022. However, this change does not mean that the benefits of using SOLIDWORKS anywhere have to be abandoned! You have a solution by switching to 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS.

Online licensing offers the convenience of using SOLIDWORKS on multiple devices just by logging in with your SOLIDWORKS ID. With online licensing, there was no need to remember to transfer licenses back and forth or call support if you forgot and needed to run SOLIDWORKS. You could, in essence, use SOLIDWORKS on any Windows-based PC to which you had access. Thankfully, 3DEPXERIENCE SOLIDWORKS provides this same flexibility.

Accessing SOLIDWORKS Connected from the 3DCompass

Simply logging into the 3DEXPERIENCE platform on any SOLIDWORKS compatible machine allows SOLIDWORKS to be installed and run. Once you are logged into the platform, you have access to SOLIDWORKS Connected/Desktop and any other Apps through the 3DCompass. Just as with online licensing, the SOLIDWORKS seat is tied to your email and password.

1. Data Access

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS offers some additional benefits above and beyond what online licensing offered. The first of which is access to your data. Online licensing allowed you to switch computers without having to remember to transfer your license from the first machine and then activate it on the second machine. With online licensing you did, however, have to remember to bring your files. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS eliminates that need. It provides cloud storage and remote access to all your data. You have the ability to save your files into the platform, so you also have access to your data on the machine on which you are using SOLIDWORKS. The save and open dialog boxes conveniently store all your data in a secure private cloud drive. Now, no matter where you are, you have access to your data.

2. Access to Extra Tools

Access to cloud design tools like SOLIDWORKS 3D Sculptor can help the design process exponentially. With 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS and desktop SOLIDWORKS with online licensing, you still have to install SOLIDWORKS locally on a Windows-based PC.

SOLIDWORKS 3D Sculptor does not require an installation. It simply runs in a web browser. This means it can be used on any device or OS. Designs that are created in 3D Sculptor can be used and detailed in SOLIDWORKS. They can also be brought into other cloud offerings available, like SOLIDWORKS Product Document Creator, to create true model-based definition designs allowing for a seamless move toward a paperless environment.

3. Automatic Updates

Automatic updating means that 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is always running the latest, greatest version of SOLIDWORKS. The need to log in, find the software downloads, download and update the software is removed. All updates are done right from the same icon used to launch the program. The software is installed directly from the web browser. This greatly reduces the administration needed to stay up to date.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS Update

4. Collaboration Tools

The built-in ability to share data with outside vendors, contractors or customers is provided through the 3DDrive and 3DDashboard. This tool allows you to safely store and share files outside of your design folder. CAD Data like STEP or SOLIDWORKS files can be easily viewed and marked up by the recipient without any software install. Files can then be downloaded by the recipient for use on their end. Secure collaboration ensures you can efficiently and effectively communicate with anyone throughout the design process.

3DEXPERIENCE 3DDashboard

5. Expanded Solution Opportunities

The final reason is really a host of reasons wrapped into one, and that is the expandability the platform offers. We didn’t touch on communities, FEA, CFD, rendering, technical documentation or any of the many other applications offered on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, but this environment provides a foundation for growth into these solutions as well. With many tools available for the design process beyond CAD tools, you can expand access to design data to more individuals in the development process, increasing the efficiency of the entire team.

Get help switching to 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS

Above are just a few reasons to switch to 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS if you are currently using SOLIDWORKS Online Licensing. If you have any questions regarding switching, please reach out to our team and we will be happy to assist you.