Home Use Licenses: Changes to Our Current Policy

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SOLIDWORKS Network License (SNL) is a popular licensing model that was introduced in 1999. It allows our users to stretch their investments with a reliable client/server distributed licensing approach where licenses can be shared across multiple users, ensuring the number of concurrent users does not exceed the number of purchased licenses.

Back then, software security was accomplished using a USB or parallel port dongle, internet access was limited, users were tied to bulky desktop workstations, and data or intellectual property protection was less of a concern. The only drawback to SNL licensing was that all the machines needed to be on the same network as the license server.

To address this scenario we developed and introduced Home Use Licenses or HULs.

HUL licenses were standalone licenses that allowed customers with SOLIDWORKS Network licenses to install and run SOLIDWORKS on machines that were outside a company network for work-related purposes and outside office hours. 

Over the years, SOLIDWORKS has continued to introduce other mechanisms and license models to provide our customers with more flexibility and to enable them to work disconnected from their office networks.

In addition, many customers equip their mobile users with laptops and virtual private networks (VPN) to stay connected to their secure office environment and secure file repositories.

As a result of improved technologies and additional licensing offerings, we have decided to phase out existing HUL licenses. Starting October 4th, 2019, all existing Home Use Licenses will be phased out. Users with an activated HUL license will still be able to use their SOLIDWORKS license until they deactivate/transfer it. New activations won’t be possible.

What other options are available to use SOLIDWORKS outside a company network?

  • Connect to the company network using VPN.
  • Use Borrow functionality inside SNL.
  • Convert a SNL license to Standalone license.
  • Leverage other licensing models: standalone licensing, online licensing, perpetual or term, etc.

We strongly encourage all our customers to contact their Value Added Resellers to explore their alternatives and get the support and assistance they need should they transition to other licensing options.

Mathieu Fourcade

Mathieu Fourcade

Matt is a Product Manager for SOLIDWORKS Inspection and new initiatives. CSWE. He previously worked as a Technical Support Engineer and Product Marketing Manager for SOLIDWORKS, Simulation, Plastics and Electrical.
Mathieu Fourcade

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