Installation & Licensing Center
INFO - Understanding Ansys License Server Types
Authored by Caleb Scharf September 11th, 2024 3033 views 2 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)
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 | |
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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.
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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 |
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Ansys Version Compatibility |
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Enterprise level products and nearly 100% of the portfolio. |
Remote Access Requirements |
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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 |
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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 |