When you buy SOLIDWORKS, choosing the right license type is just as important as selecting the correct software package. For many businesses, the decision comes down to standalone licensing or network licensing. Both can support professional design teams, but they suit different working arrangements and budgets.
Understanding how each option works can help you avoid paying for unnecessary licenses while making sure your engineers have reliable access to SOLIDWORKS.
What Is a SOLIDWORKS Standalone License?
A standalone license is intended for an individual user or dedicated workstation. This setup is often suitable for smaller teams where each designer regularly uses SOLIDWORKS throughout the working day.
The main advantage is simplicity. Each user has dependable access without competing with colleagues for an available license. This can be especially useful for engineers who rely on the software continuously.
However, purchasing individual licenses for every employee may become less efficient if some users only need occasional access.
What Is a SOLIDWORKS Network License?
A network license allows an organisation to manage access to SOLIDWORKS from a shared pool of licenses. Instead of assigning one license permanently to every user, available licenses can be used by authorised team members when required.
This approach can work well for larger departments where not everyone needs the software at the same time. For example, a business may have ten employees who occasionally use SOLIDWORKS but only five who typically need access simultaneously.
Network licensing can therefore provide greater flexibility, although it requires proper license management and sufficient availability during busy periods.
Which License Is Better for Your Team?
Start by looking at how often each employee uses the software. If designers work in SOLIDWORKS every day, standalone licenses may provide the most straightforward experience. If usage varies between employees, a network setup may use your software investment more efficiently.
You should also consider team growth, remote working arrangements, IT management, and future hiring plans before making a decision.
Choose Based on Actual Usage
Before you buy SOLIDWORKS, avoid choosing a licensing model based solely on the number of employees in your company. Instead, examine how many people need access at the same time and how frequently they use the software.
An authorised SOLIDWORKS reseller can review your requirements and help determine whether standalone, network, or a combination of licensing options is the better fit for your team.
