-----Original Message-----
From: Genny Gibbard [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Wednesday, December 05, 2001 10:54 AM
Subject: Re: 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, 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 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