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                          INFO - Understanding Ansys License Server Types

                          Authored by Caleb Scharf September 11th, 2024 5500 views 3 likes KB2290316

                          Description

                          Ansys licenses can be hosted in one of three ways.  The licensing server/model you choose is decided during the purchasing process with your account manager. This article will describe the different options available to you in order to help you select the best method or, identify which method(s) you are currently using.  Ansys client software supports using one, many or all of these methods within the same environment.

                          Need to change your License Server Type?

                          If you have an existing license and wish to change your license server type, please contact your account manager.

                           

                           

                          License Server Types

                          FlexNet Licensing (Self-Hosted License Server / Most Popular)

                          The FlexNet Licensing model type is Ansys' self-hosted (installed on your own server) licensing option that has existed for over 15yrs.  As of 2023, it is the most common licensing method in use.  It uses a small, stand-alone application, called the Ansys License Manager, that hosts the Ansys FlexNet license file that is issued to you. The license manager checks in and out licenses to one or many users over a network. It is a required application to run your Ansys client software if you have a FlexNet based license.  A client must be able to connect to and stay connected to the License Manager in order to open and use the software.‍  It can be installed on the client machine for single user deployments but is most often installed on a dedicated machine in multi-user environments. 

                          For more information about this licensing option see - INFO - Ansys FlexNet Licensing Overview & System Requirements 

                           

                          Shared Web Licensing (Ansys Hosted License Server / Growing Rapidly)

                          Shared Web Licensing is a new licensing model that Ansys released in 2023 R2.  It eliminates the need for customers to install and run their own Ansys License Server without any IT expertise or hardware required, making it much easier and faster to get up and running with your Ansys software.  Instead of having to install and configure your own license sever, wait for a license file to delivered to you and then install it, users simply sign-in with their Ansys account and their license is immediately accessible over the internet.  These licenses and users are then hosted and managed directly from your Ansys Licensing Portal. This greatly simplifies the process of accessing your Ansys license when working from home or the road and no longer requires you to setup a VPN or borrow a license before leaving the office.  This method requires the client to have an internet connection, however, clients can still borrow licenses ahead of time, if they will not have an internet connection.

                          As of 2023R2, Shared Web Licensing does not support all products.  For more info about this licensing type and what products are supported, see - INFO - Ansys Shared Web Licensing Overview.  

                           

                          Elastic Web Licensing (Ansys Hosted License Server)

                          Ansys Elastic Licensing model is their flexible, pay-per-use licensing model that enables usage-based licensing for traditional software and Ansys Cloud Direct product.

                          Comparison Chart

                            Shared Web Licensing FlextNet Licensing Elastic Web Licensing
                          Description

                          Ansys' hosted, floating licensing model where one or more users share a pool of licenses. (New in 2023R2)
                           

                          No license server/firewall setup/management required!

                          Classic, self-hosted, floating licensing model where one or more users share a pool of licenses and has been used for 15+ years. Ansys' hosted, flexible pay-per-use licensing model that enables usage-based licensing based on AEC's for Ansys software and Ansys Cloud Direct (cloud software and hardware solution).
                          Recommend Use Case Great option for new/existing customers who only need to use Ansys version 2024R2 or later.

                          Best option if your company has strict security policies preventing a computer from communicating with cloud services (communication is encrypted and only includes Ansys specific licensing communication data),

                           

                          Or, your engineers need to access Ansys Versions 2023R2 or earlier.

                           

                          Or, You need to work primarily with the software in an environment without internet access.

                           

                          The only licensing service model available for pay-per-use licensing, managed via the Ansys Licensing Portal. Typically suited for customers who need to use Ansys in a limited or intermittent fashion.
                          Purchase Options Lease (Subscription) only Perpetual & Lease (Subscription) Pre-purchased pay-per use AEC (Ansys Elastic Currency) credits
                          Setup / Maintenance Requirements
                          • Adding and managing user access via the Ansys Licensing Portal
                          • Each user has to have an Ansys Account
                          • User specifies the license server and logs-in with their Ansys account to use the software on their workstation.
                          • Requires IT involvement in multi-user environments
                          • Central server is required in multi-user environments
                          • License Manager Installation and firewall/router configuration as necessary
                          • License activation and Installation required
                          • User specifies the license server.
                          • Adding and managing user access via the Ansys Licensing Portal
                          • Each user has to have an Ansys Account
                          • User specifies the license server and logs-in with their Ansys account to use the software on their workstation.
                          Ansys Version Compatibility
                          • 2023R2 and later with support for most flagship products.
                          • 2024R2 and later support nearly 100% of the Ansys portfolio. See more Here.. 

                           

                          • All Ansys versions dating back 8+ yrs
                          Enterprise level products and nearly 100% of the portfolio.
                          Remote Access Requirements 
                          • Internet connection
                          • Simplified license borrowing for offline scenarios
                          • Internet connection
                          • VPN or public facing licensing server setup by IT department
                          • Licensing borrowing available  (cumbersome legacy method)
                          • More info on how to work remotely HERE. 
                          • Internet connection
                          Multi-License Server Compatibility Compatible and can be used in combination with FlextNet and/or Elastic Licensing Simultaneously Compatible and can be used in combination with Shared Web and/or Elastic Licensing Simultaneously Compatible and can be used in combination with Shared Web and/or FlexNet Simultaneously
                          SimuTECHS 
                          • Included
                          • Always included in leased products
                          • Included for 1st year in perpetual products and renewal is optional but recommend after that.
                          • Included
                          Viewing Usage Data  Available through the Ansys Licensing Portal webpage. Available via the License Management Center webpage running on the License Server.  (This commonly only accessible to the IT Department) Available through the Ansys Licensing Portal webpage.
                          AWS Gateway Compatibility  Yes Yes Yes
                          Azure Connect Compatability Yes Yes Yes
                          Ansys Cloud Direct Compatibility Yes Yes Yes

                           

                          license typelicense modelbest license

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