1. MECAD Systems Knowledge Base
  2. Licensing FAQ
  3. July 2023 SOLIDWORKS License & Subscription Changes

Is there a cloud-based version of SOLIDWORKS?

Simply put, there isn't a version of SOLIDWORKS CAD that you are familiar with that runs totally on the cloud.
SOLIDWORKS Cloud, SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services, and 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS are a few helpful cloud-related products with perplexing names.

Let's examine each of these in more detail.

SOLIDWORKS Cloud

SOLIDWORKS Cloud consists of a collection of cloud-based modeling applications that give customers access to and usage of the best CAD capability and files from any device with an internet connection.

Many of the same design features as SOLIDWORKS Desktop are offered via these apps, but users do not have to install the software on their local devices. Although they have been built from the ground up and are not an identical replica of SOLIDWORKS Desktop, these apps will feel extremely familiar to SOLIDWORKS users.

For users that need to access CAD tools on various devices or places and don't want to maintain the program locally, the apps in the SOLIDWORKS Cloud offer are the perfect option. All of these applications are cloud-based.

SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services (for Desktop SOLIDWORKS)

New SOLIDWORKS Subscriptions and term licenses will come with a set of tools called SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services.

They enable SOLIDWORKS users to efficiently manage their design data, use CAD intelligent online storage, and share and annotate designs with ease. They connect desktop SOLIDWORKS to the cloud-based 3DEXPERIENCE platform. In a word, they offer a safe online center for collaboration and storage.

Traditional SOLIDWORKS customers who want to benefit from improved design sharing and CAD intelligent online data storage should adopt SOLIDWORKS online Services.

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS

3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS is a version of SOLIDWORKS that is focused on the cloud. It has nearly the same set of features as SOLIDWORKS Desktop, but it also has a built-in link to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform.

Even though 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS launches from and saves files to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, it still operates locally, necessitating the use of a powerful computer. When combined with other cloud apps, SOLIDWORKS software gives users access to the same features found in SOLIDWORKS Cloud Services and enables flexible sub-divisional modeling and simulation.

Overall, utilizing 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS will be quite similar to utilizing desktop SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services; it's an excellent option for businesses wishing to streamline licensing management and consolidate their tools in one location, hence delivering a more consistent user experience.

 

Date: 12/05/2023