Different types of licenses for IRONCAD: USB dongle, software license or network license

There are various licensing options to meet the different needs of businesses or individual users of IRONCAD. In this post, we will go through the three main licensing options available for IRONCAD: USB dongle, software license and network license via software (NLM- Network License Manager). We will also explain the main differences between these types of licenses, so that you can make a decision on which one is best for your business.

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USB dongle license

The USB dongle license is a physical license key in the form of a USB device that must be connected to the computer in order to use IRONCAD . This is a traditional way of handling licensing.

• Portability: The license is bound to the dongle, which means that the user can easily move it between different computers. The only requirement is that the dongle is connected to the computer where IRONCAD is used.
• No internet connection required: As the license is in the dongle, no active internet connection is needed to verify the license, which can be beneficial in environments with limited connectivity.
• Easy activation of new versions: the activation of new versions is done at the push of a button. No license certificate is needed for activation. See here for more information.

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Software license

The software license is the digital version of license management where the license is installed and activated directly on a specific computer. This type of license is popular because it is easy to activate and manage.

• No physical component: the license is software-based and stored digitally on the user's computer.
• Easy to administer: The license is activated with a serial number and a codeword, making it easy to get started without having to wait for a physical dongle to be delivered.
• Activation: is done via a license certificate and when updating an existing license via a simple button press.
• Removable: The license can be activated on another computer provided that the license is exported first. See here for more information.

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Network License via Software (NLM)

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NLM (Network License Manager) is a licensing system that allows multiple users within a network to share licenses. Licenses are managed centrally via a server, and users can access IRONCAD from different computers on the network as long as licenses are available.

• Flexibility for multiple users: Multiple users can share a certain number of licenses, making it cost-effective for companies where not all users need access to IRONCAD at the same time.
• Centrally managed licensing: Licenses are managed on a central server, which facilitates the administration of licenses and makes it easy to assign licenses when needed.
• License availability across the network: Users can access the software from different computers within the network, providing more flexibility compared to a dongle or software license.
• Borrow license: Users can borrow a license outside the network via a Check In/Check Out functionality or based on a certain number of days (180 days as a maximum).

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Additional information

Network license via USB

We also have a network license via USB, however, we are gradually starting to withdraw this licensing method and recommend users to switch to Network license via software instead as this is much more flexible. Do you have a network license via USB and are interested in converting to a software license instead? Please contact our support.

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IronCAD Mechanical

The hugely popular add-on program IronCAD Mechanical, has its very own licensing method. That license is activated in the same way regardless of the method you use for IRONCAD. The add-on is included for those with an active support contract and is activated separately via a license file you receive from us. Please read here for more information.

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Summary

The USB dongle license is easy to move quickly between computers and allows IRONCAD to start on the computer where it is currently installed.
It does not require an internet connection. The software license is digital, is easy to administer and is locked to a specific computer. NLM offers flexibility as to who needs to use IRONCAD at any given time and allows for license sharing. The add-on IronCAD Mechanical , is activated separately via a license file regardless of your licensing method of IRONCAD. The best choice depends on the specific needs of your business and work environment. Do you have any questions? Please contact us at support and we will help you.