Buy, subscribe, or rent SOLIDWORKS?

Buy SOLIDWORKS? Subscribe to SOLIDWORKS? Rent SOLIDWORKS?

Updated May 25, 2023

Let's get right to the point: There are three ways (for companies) to upgrade to the latest versions of SOLIDWORKS at Ohmycad:

• QSC: 3-Month Commitment Subscription (Billed Monthly)
• YSC: 12-Month Commitment Subscription (Annual Billing)
• PSC + ASC: Purchase + Mandatory Maintenance (Please note: Starting July 1, 2023, for new licenses, a 2-year maintenance contract must be included with the purchase of a license.)

At Ohmycad, 20% users are on the PSC+ASC plan, 40% are on the QSC plan, and 40% are on the YSC plan. This means that 80% of our customers are subscribers, and 20% are on the "old" SOLIDWORKS purchase model plus a maintenance contract. Please note that at Ohmycad, our SOLIDWORKS (and CATIA!) subscriptions come with NO COMMITMENTS. Your CAD fleet adapts to your needs.

Generally, our customers who stay on the PSC plan are those who need to justify an investment (grant, budget, etc.). Others choose the subscription plan, with no commitment, for greater flexibility. Some combine subscription types, such as YSC’s 80% and QSC’s 20%. Others have their 3D CAD licenses through YSC and their simulation roles ( ABAQUS Software (for example) in QSC. In short, the flexible subscription plan is the most cost-effective option for the vast majority of customers. Also, keep in mind that there are plenty of ways to get SOLIDWORKS for free (Check out our blog post: Free SOLIDWORKS or CATIA? What are the options?)

Choose the right version SOLIDWORKS “old version” plans or switch to the new subscriptions SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE ?

This is an important question, especially for new and future users; we'll try to answer it in this article.

The SOLIDWORKS version known as Desktop was released in 1995. Over the past 25 years, even though the software has evolved significantly in terms of functionality, its core principles have remained the same. The new version " 3D »SOLIDWORKS EXPERIENCE" is therefore the first platform that provides a foundation for the most modern technologies. The main change is that it is now a S3D Solutionhybrid. The’The SolidWorks installation remains local, Users can choose to store their data in the cloud or locally.

First important point: Names 3DEXPERIENCE WORKS– SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE – SOLIDWORKS CONNECTED – SOLIDWORKS CLOUD – SOLIDWORKS ON LINE all refer to the same product and the same technology. There are quite a few product name changes happening right now, but it’s important to remember that whenever Dassault Systèmes mentions the "Cloud," it refers to a solution based on the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform. In short, there are a lot of synonyms. We'll see in the coming months which ones subscribers will stick with and which ones will catch on in the market 🙂

The benefits for you as a user are significant: speed, flexibility, security…

In terms of the tool itself (the 3D CAD software), these are significant technological advancements, but ultimately the changes are hardly noticeable to those already familiar with SOLIDWORKS. Kind of like a beautiful German sports car. The 2024 models retain the best features of the 1960s versions (the design, the driving pleasure, the reliability…), but the car is completely different now and benefits from the latest technological advances (driver-assistance systems, hybrid powertrain, etc.).

For SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE, 3D design, drafting, sheet metal, structural fabrication, parts library… Everything is the same. Same software, same icons, same shortcuts… The main differences lie in how you access the software, data security against cyberattacks, storage and remote work capabilities, and collaboration with your colleagues and clients.In short, SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE gives you access to the same features, only better 🙂

Installation and Licensing for SOLIDWORKS DESKTOP and SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE

The first difference lies in “licensing.” If Older versions of SOLIDWORKS are “locked” to a PC with a SOLIDWORKS serial number(in the format 0001 XXXX XXXX XXXX), The “connected” version is linked to a user/email address.

This means you can install SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE on a workstation in your design office, on your laptop, and at home, for example. You launch SOLIDWORKS wherever you want, enter your email address… and it works. It works the same way as personal apps you’re already familiar with, like Spotify, Netflix, or other services. If KAD MERAD were a SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE user, people would often ask him for his login credentials, just like they ask him for his Canal+ login credentials 🙂

For comparison with “ON PREMISE” licenses” We can therefore consider the “3DEXPERIENCE” version to be a natively floating licence (See: The 7 Benefits of SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE). That's a major advantage of this new solution.

The first time you use the software, you’ll log in to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. This web-based platform serves as your company’s control center, allowing you, among other things, to manage all your subscriptions. From this platform, you’ll decide whether to install SOLIDWORKS CONNECTED locally on your computer. Similarly, you’ll be able to use the platform to control which of your colleagues have access to simulation and visualization tools. Some tools will be installed on your local PC, while others will be used via the 100% web interface.

SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE is available in Standard, Professional, and Premium editions (See the SOLIDWORKS Price and Features List)

SOLIDWORKS On-Line Subscription

It is still possible to purchase SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE. The SOLIDWORKS license price are different only in the ON-PREMISE version. The The business model for the product and related services is now increasingly based on a subscription model. Billing is monthly or annual, with no commitment or maintenance contract required. For users familiar with tools such as Microsoft Office 365 or Google G Suite, and who appreciate the flexibility and reliability of these tools, the new Dassault Systèmes solutions are very similar. In fact, at Ohmycad, we now talk about subscribers rather than customers. Our goal: to ensure that you are satisfied with our services so that you will never cancel your subscription

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If you'd like to see the pricing for SOLIDWORKS 3DEXPERIENCE subscriptions, you can find it here: SOLIDWORKS License Pricing

Basic Features of 3DEXPERIENCE Works Compared to SOLIDWORKS DESKTOP

Once SOLIDWORKS ON LINE (we are deliberately using synonyms) is installed on your PC, for design features, the ‘The tool works in 99% in the same way as SOLIDWORKS «ON PREMISE».". Not much to say, we've told you, it's the same… only better 🙂

SOLIDWORKS CLOUD data storage

One of the main advantages of this new version is the Various Storage Options and collaborative work.

The DESKTOP version only allowed you to store your files on your PC or on a local server. When you chose to purchase PDM ENTERPRISE, you sometimes needed, in addition, two Microsoft Windows Server instances (a file server and data servers), an SQL database, etc.

On the other hand, the version CONNECTED will give you access to even more possibilities, which is very similar to more recent practices.

• First Opportunities : Save Locally. This solution is very similar to what the “ON PREMISE” version offers. Your data remains on your PC or server.
• Second options : Save to the secure Dassault Systèmes CLOUD. This new solution has several advantages.
  • Your most sensitive data is protected against cyberattacks (increasingly common in very small businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly local servers)
  • Your data is accessible from anywhere. This means you can work as a team from different locations without any hardware setup or maintenance.
  • You don't need a server files, PDM data servers, SQL databases, … Everything is standard
  • You have access to a wide range of new tools that allow you to work better as a team.

The two storage options are, of course, complementary. You can switch between cloud storage and local storage, and vice versa.

It is important to note that whether on-premises or in the cloud, SOLIDWORKS CONNECTED now comes standard with 3DEXPERIENCE PDM management. This has two implications. First, you no longer need to purchase an add-on product like PDM ENTERPRISE. C ‘That’s a savings of a few thousand euros on software, which is always nice! Second, your subscription includes 25 GB of storage per subscriber in your company (which is more than enough in 95% of cases). If needed, you can purchase additional storage, just as you would for your iPhone or Android phone.

You can also check out our blog post: PDM Enterprise vs. 3DEXPERIENCE

Products Not Supported in SOLIDWORKS CLOUD (as of January 1, 2023)

As you can see, SOLIDWORKS Connected is the future of SOLIDWORKS. Development on this solution is moving very quickly.It should also be noted that the SOLIDWORKS On-Premise «Maintenance Contract» no longer exists in the Connected version. When you subscribe, you get access to the software, storage, and updates. T Everything is included and always up to date. That's one less thing to worry about.

Some add-on modules have not yet been ported to the Connected version. Examples: CircuitWorks, SOLIDWORKS Inspection, SOLIDWORKS Manage (standard features in Connected), SOLIDWORKS PDM (standard features in Connected), SOLIDWORKS PCB, SOLIDWORKS Plastics, SOLIDWORKS Xpress.

Feel free to ask the XDI Team any questions to make sure that “CONNECTED” has everything you need.

So who is this new version of SOLIDWORKS Connected for?

Let's start by saying who this isn't for

: The SOLIDWORKS CONNECTED license is not the right version for you if:

• You already have SOLIDWORKS “ON-PREMISE” licenses” : Either contact your reseller and ask them to switch everything to “CONNECTED” and/or add ADD-ONS. Or we advise against using the system with both “Old Generation” and “New Generation” terminals (which is why it’s important for new customers to get it right from the start).
• SOLIDWORKS CONNECTED is not recommended at this time, if you would like to have specific IT customizations made to the products. The same goes if you want to develop macros in every possible way and have access to the APIs.
• SOLIDWORKS CONNECTED is not recommended if you have to work exclusively with older versions of the software.

So who is 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS for? :

At Ohmycad, we believe that SOLIDWORKS CONNECTED should definitely be your choice if you're a new customer or an industrial startup. You'll start right away with the most up-to-date versions, especially the ones that will be with us for the next 20 years.

• Remote work is a setup you want to implement natively, without any technical constraints.
• Protecting your data from cyberattacks is a concern.
• You don't want to have to manage backups, a firewall, server antivirus software, etc. …

No matter what happens, we encourage you to use a legitimate SOLIDWORKS or Catia license. There are many ways to obtain our free 3D software. The "SOLIDWORKS Crack", the "CATIA whizzes," are therefore both useless and dangerous!

Enjoy using it, and of course, we're here to help if you need it 😉