Genny,
Yes, AutoCAD seats are pricey. I think the LT version is around $600
and the Full blown version is $3000 per seat. OUCH! Sorry if I was
implying that you were running illegal copies. My apologies. Please
read my first note as guidance for all of us in the business world
regarding number of users per licensed copies. Yes, we too have network
licenses for a finite number of seats for some software. It can be a
pain in the butt sometimes. In the big picture this can make the most
sense when there are a few "casual" users.
Again my apologies.
Phil Nutting
-----Original Message-----
From: Genny Gibbard [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2001 11:54 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] Autocad sharing
Well, I don't know all the details, but unfortunately I'm not sure
you'll be able to get the same deal. We got this 10 user license a few
years ago when we went to AutoCad LT 98 and apparently we are not
willing to upgrade to a newer version of AutoCad LT because we can't get
the same great deal. And additional seats for the license we have are
apparently prohibitively expensive.
But this is all hearsay and internal muttering (notice how often the
word 'apparently' appears), so don't quote me... :-)
Sometimes someone will have two or three copies open (comparing files)
so if someone can't get into their drawing they usually email around
asking for people to close unneeded copies, and a license usually gets
free fairly quickly.
I believe that the license may have come from AutoDesk and they only
realized later what they gave us - closing the barn door after the horse
is gone. I think that's the reason for the costly upgrade.
-----Original Message-----
From: Howard Watson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: December 5, 2001 9:56 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] Autocad sharing
Genny,
Thanks for the information on IntelliCAD, I will give this a try. I had
previously stated that we have more people who need AutoCAD than we have
licenses for, and I was in no way implying that we are using illegal
software, so thanks for noting that. Our situation is just like yours
in that we have some (several?) casual users who would like to use
AutoCAD, but the cost is not attractive at this time. Is your "hunting
license" something that comes from Autodesk? How would this work for us
considering we already have the individual licenses purchased? The
situation you have sounds like where we want to get to, except the part
about not everybody can get on when they need it! I think we could live
with that.
Thank to all for your suggestions, I will look into all of them.
Howard Watson
Manufacturing Engineer
AMETEK/Dixson
Genny Gibbard <[log in to unmask]>
Sent by: TechNet <[log in to unmask]>
12/05/01 08:03 AM
Please respond to "TechNet E-Mail Forum."
To: [log in to unmask]
cc:
Subject: Re: [TN] Autocad sharing
I think you can actually download Intellicad for free if you just want
to use the package, <http://www.intellicad.org/> www.intellicad.org,
just join as a non-commercial member. If you want the source code to
modify it to your own purpose, or if you buy it from some company that
has done that already, then you may have to pay.
I really don't think Howard was broadcasting that he is using illegal
software - we have a 10 user hunting license for Autocad LT in our
workplace. Most people that use Autocad around here are not using it
100% of the time. So there are up to 10 licenses available. When 10
copies are open, no one else can open Autocad. As we grow bigger this
is starting to become a slight problem, because additional licenses cost
an arm and a leg, so we are sticking with our current number of
licenses, and not everyone gets on whenever they want anymore.
Regards,
Genny.
-----Original Message-----
From: Phil Nutting [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: December 5, 2001 8:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] Autocad sharing
Howard,
There is a package available from AutoDesk for running as a network
application. Now that you have "let the cat out of the bag" about
having more users than licenses I would be careful about your solution
as the Software Police are on the prowl. Several months ago there was a
huge media campaign with radio spots (and TV ads?) about running illegal
software in the Boston area. The cost of the legal copies or network
license (one for each user) is cheaper than the fines and penalties
levied by the Software Police.
All it takes is one phone call from a disgruntled employee or other
person seeking to damage your company. (I will not call !)
An alternative solution for your CAD needs is IntelliCAD® 2000 for
Microsoft Windows by IntelliCAD Technology Consortium. This can be
found at <http://www.cadopia.com/> www.cadopia.com. We have purchased
this for the same reason you want to share AutoCAD. One caution is that,
I noticed as an accomplished AutoCAD user, I found many commands or
control functions the same, but there were a few that defied
explanation.
Phil Nutting
[Phil Nutting] -----Original Message-----
From: Howard Watson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2001 4:52 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Autocad sharing
Dear Technetters,
Does anyone know of a sharing software that allows users to share
Autocad LT or 14 on a Novell network? We only have 9 licenses available
and many more people than that who need to use Autocad, though some like
myself only need it occasionally. I believe that a share software would
only allow 9 users access at one time.
If there is no such beast, is there a recommendation for a cheaper CAD
package than AutoCAD LT, or one that is a free download? Needless to
say, spending is getting really tight. Thanks in advance for the
advice.
Howard Watson
Manufacturing Engineer
AMETEK/Dixson