IMAGINiT Technologies Support Blog

The Basics of Being a CAD Manager: What Does it Take to Be the Best in the Field?

by Ryan Wunderlich, Support Specialist

If you’re a CAD manager, you know that you play a critical role at most design and engineering firms. Depending on the size of the company, however, CAD managers’ responsibilities can vary. At small companies, CAD managers wear many hats, while in larger companies they often have more defined managerial roles. 

Across all types of organizations, successful CAD managers focus on seven functions:

1. Planning. CAD managers develop short- and long-term CAD plans that provide adequate detail, without over planning.
   
   
2. Organizing. Effective CAD managers organize standards, server and folder structures, supporting files, and archives. They may also organize staff, budgets, and processes.
   
   
3. Leading. CAD managers focus their leadership efforts in five areas: tools, talent, technology, training, and time.
   
   
4. Coordinating. One of the most important roles for CAD managers is orchestrating the flow of CAD-related work. This means scheduling software roll-outs and downtime, working with multiple teams, and adjusting deadlines as needed.
   
   
5. Control. Measurement is the key to maintaining control. The best CAD managers track performance of people, technology, systems, standards, and expectations for CAD production timelines.
   
   
6. Staffing. CAD managers should establish screening processes for new hires, get involved in the interview process, and participate in employee evaluations.
   
   
7. Motivating. Motivating others is a proven way to encourage progress and spur teams to action. Savvy CAD managers focus on both extrinsic motivation (things outside people’s internal desires, such as pay or recognition) and intrinsic motivation (things related to people’s internal desires, such as the satisfaction one gets from a job well done). 

IMAGINiT has worked with organizations of all sizes and in many different industry sectors to strengthen CAD managers’ skills. To learn more about what separates exceptional CAD managers from the rest, listen to our webcast “The Basics of Being a CAD Manager.” You will come away with an understanding of the soft and hard skills required to be the best, as well as new awareness of the pitfalls that can be avoided through productive interactions with IT and better management of licenses and assets. 

Considering outsourcing this or looking for help getting started? We can help with that.

Autodesk: The new A360 Desktop Expiration Notice

You may have noticed a warning about your A360 Desktop expiration. This is to inform you that Autodesk will discontinue A360 Desktop. You can find Details and Updates about this at the site below.

https://a360.autodesk.com/a360-desktop/

For more information about Autodesk products please visit
www.imaginit.com

Autodesk Maintenance to Subscription webcast Q&A

If you want to see the answers to questions from our webcast last week on Autodesk M2S

Questions and Answers:

• So, is the AEC Collection is an equivalent collection for "Standard Design Suites"?

Autodesk has simplified the packaging of their products to give customers the essential tools for design based on industry.

Customers with Design and Creation suites will have the option to “switch” to an Industry Collection at the time of their Maintenance since suites are no longer available.

• If I don't need all other fancy software, can I just elect for "Map 3D" with the subscription?

Yes, you can switch to an individual Map 3D however you only have the option to get a collection at the time of the switch. Therefore we recommend looking at not only your needs today but the tools to help you meet future demands of your customers.

• Can you tell me more about "a Collection"?

Autodesk has simplified the packaging of their products to give customers the essential tools for design based on industry.

See what's in it for yourself: http://www.imaginit.com/software/autodesk-collections

• We are now using concurrent licensing because we have many client machines using only a limited number of licenses. Is this still available?

Yes, there is network licensing, it is the multi-user Subscription license model.

• Will we still use a license server for multi-user access?

Yes, multi-user model does use the same license manager

• Will subscription be cloud based licenses only or can we use a license server to manage the software user for multi-User?

You will keep the same license type.  If you had network licenses, you would switch to multi-user/network. Same for Standalone to single-user and the software resides on the desktop or as a cloud service depending on the product.

• What terms are available? 1, 3, 5, X?

1 or 3 years terms are the options and the price will be secured for 3 years with either option. However, the term you choose when you switch will need to continue to renew for that term to continue with the switch discounted pricing. For example, if you switch at a 3-yr. term, you must continue 3-yr terms moving forward which requires all 3- yrs. to be paid upfront.

• Is the contract billed annually for 3 years if we do a 3-year term?

No, the price is for 3 years up front, you should look at 1-year term and it is locked in for 3 years paid each year (so you would do 3 1-year contracts to be billed annually)

New Update to BIM 360 website

Autodesk will be making a few changes to the user interface on the BIM 360 website during the week of June 26 2017. Account admin's will see a different look when signing in and going to the admin page. If you are your the account admin for your company you should get an email that looks like this. (I apologize the image is small and blurry that Autodesk sent. I will update it once I see the change in my account.)

This release will include additional enhancements including:

• the Project Members page will show which modules each user has access to and their access level.
• the Project Members page also includes filters which let you filter members by module.
• Account Administrators who manage more than one BIM 360 account will be able to switch between accounts from the header. 

This release also includes subtle changes such as a full-page interface, and performance improvements.

A360 Desktop Expiration message

From your computer task tray you keep getting a notification that your A360 desktop is expiring. 

 

 

This message is letting you know that the version of A360 Desktop on your machine is version 5.0 and below. You will need to uninstall the A360 Desktop from your control panel and install the latest version from the Autodesk website: Autodesk 360 Desktop Current Version 

 

More information regarding Autodesk discontinuing version 5.0 and below: A360 Desktop Version Expiration

 

 

Contact your administrator to request permission to use this product

If you launch your Autodesk software and get a message: "Contact your administrator to request permission to use this product" you will need to do the following to gain access to use the software.

 

Find the Autodesk Contract Manager for your company. This is going to be the person who purchased the software. Need more help? Here is my blog on Who is my company's Autodesk subscription contract manager.

Once you have figured out who is the Autodesk Contract Manager for your company they can sign into https://manage.autodesk.com using their Autodesk user name and password.

If you don't know your sign in or password you can enter in your work email and click NEXT.

Then click on the FORGOT? link to rest your password.

 

HOW TO GIVE PERMISSIONS TO YOUR USERS

NOTE: By default one of the Autodesk seats you purchased will automatically be assigned to you the Contract Manager. Sign into your Autodesk account and verify you don't have unnecessary seats assigned to you.

Click on the User icon. If you are the Autodesk Contract Manager and you do not see these icons to the left of your Autodesk Account contact your Autodesk reseller so they can get this fixed for you.

 

Verify the user(s) is showing in the list of All Users. If there are users missing you need to add them by click on the Add button at the top of the page.

 

If there are users in the list that no longer work for the company you can delete them by first clicking on Edit Access and removing any check marks then click Save.

To Delete their name click on the X by their name. If there is no X that means they are the Contract Manager or the Software Coordinator and you will need to call your reseller to get them removed.

To assign a user to the software you will click on Edit Access on their name.

 

If you cannot put a check mark next to the software because there is zero seats available this means that someone else or you the Contract Manager has the software assigned to them. You need to click on Edit Access on every user to see who has that seat of software and first figure out why they have it and if they are using it. 

You do not want to un-assign software from a user that is using the software. This will cause a lot of issues.

How to download/install/activate the Autodesk Industry Collections

To download your Autodesk Industry Collection (IC) you will first sign into manage.autodesk.com as the Contract Manager or Software Coordinator.

IMPORTANT: To download the software you need to either be a Contract Manager or Software Coordinator. As of July 2016 If you own a multi users or network product you can no longer assign users to the software so they can download on their own. Read more on the Downloading Autodesk Software for Multi users/Network versions blog. 

As the Contract Manager or Software Coordinator you still need to setup and assign users to the products, services and support. To learn how to assign users read Setting users permissions for products, services and support knowledge page. if you add a single-user and that user doesn’t see the Product in their products and services list you need to log a ‘My Subscription’ case as the Contract Manager or Software Coordinator with Autodesk or contact your reseller.

For individual users who are not the Contract Manager or Software Coordinator they will need to use the Autdoesk Virtual Agent (AVA) to download and install their needed software from the IC. 

 

Within your account go to the Products and Services then click on your Industry collection.

Down the center of the page it will show all the software included in your IC.

What's included in your Industry Collections (IC):

• Architecture, engineering & Construction Collection
• Media & Entertainment Collection
• Product Design Collection

You can click download from the main screen or expand the software to download other versions. Read our blog on Download options: Download Now

Each software has to be downloaded and installed individually.

• Expanding the individual software will show you the serial number and product key to use for each version.
• If you see "Get Serial number" you will need to click on it to request a previous version. Autodesk will email you the serial number and product key that you will use for that version. It should also show up in your account as well.

 

 

 

What product key do I use?

Previously you were installing from a suite which was a group of software products with one main installer and one main serial number and product key.

Now, you are installing the software individually from the Industry Collections.

Because of this, you now have to use the individual software's product key for each product when activating your software.

Here is a list of the Product keys:

• Product Keys for 2014
• Product Keys for 2015
• Product Keys for 2016
• Product Keys for 2017
• Product Keys for 2018

 Activating the 2017 and newer products has changed. You now enter your serial number/product key or server when you initially launch your software after installation is complete.

Other useful blogs:

Autodesk Installation

AutoCAD 2017 install and creating a deployment screens

What you need to verify and update before installing your Autodesk software

Trusted Sites and Autodesk file extensions for antivirus exclusions

Who is my company's Autodesk subscription Contract Manager?

Install now is the only option under the Autodesk subscription portal for my product

 

 

Autodesk Installation Error: Installation log error 1603

If you are trying to install from disk, thumb drive, download or deployment and the installation fails but doesn't give you any indication of what happened, you can refer to your installation log files located in your temp folder.  To get to your temp folder do the following;

Go to the start menu and type %temp% in the search folders and files and hit your enter key or open a Windows Explorer and in the path type %temp% and hit the enter key.

Typically users will find the following string at the bottom of the .log file.

"Manufacturer: Autodesk. Installation success or error status: 1603."

Items you will want to verify before trying to run the installer again;

1. Log into the machine as a local admin. The 1603 error is associated with permissions issues.
2. Windows updates are current
3. Video card is up to date and current. You can find updated drivers on the Autodesk website or the video cards manufactures website.
4. Delete as many files as possible inside the temp folder.
5. Uninstall from the Control Panel the Microsoft C++ 2010 Redistributable as this is typically corrupt and is the cause for a failed installation. This will reinstall when you run the setup.exe. If you have windows 8.1 or Windows 10 you may need to remove all C++ and reinstall them. Here is our blog on Extreme C++ Uninstalling/Reinstalling
6. Verify the .net files are not corrupt by following this process outlined; http://blogs.rand.com/support/2011/11/dont-fret-the-dot-net.html
7. Make sure your Windows Installer service is running: http://help.autodesk.com/view/ADSKAPP/ENU/?guid=GUID-E40CFEAC-EE59-4892-80CC-F87ADFC502CD
8. Run the Autodesk AIDA software to review the error https://knowledge.autodesk.com/search-result/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Using-log-to-troubleshoot-installation-errors.html

NEW TO WINDOWS 10 installation error 1603

Autodesk has found a mapping issue with Windows 10 and the error 1603

 

Cannot find mapped networked drives - Windows 10

Issue:

When performing an installation or configuring a deployment of an Autodesk product on Windows 10, mapped network drives are not available.

Solution:

Turned on SMB Direct from the Windows Features and edit the registry key called EnableLinkedConnections.

1. Click the Start button , click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Turn Windows features on or off.
2. Select the check box next to the SMB Direct feature to turn it on.

To configure the EnableLinkedConnections registry value

1. Click Start, type regedit in the Start programs and files box, and then press ENTER.
2. Locate and then right-click the registry subkey HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System.
3. Point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
4. Type EnableLinkedConnections, and then press ENTER.
5. Right-click EnableLinkedConnections, and then click Modify.
6. In the Value data box, type 1, and then click OK.
7. Exit Registry Editor, and then restart the computer

The First Look: Autodesk Industry Collections - Q&A Session

On August 24 we hosted a webcast on the new Autodesk Industry Collections. In this webcast IMAGINiT experts outlines the new Autodesk Industry Collections and then answered questions around these new collections.

Here are some of the most asked questions from the webcast.

Q: Will we be required to switch our existing suites to collections?
            A: You will have the option to switch if you like, but you will not be required to.

Q: If we have the occasional need for Inventor, can we subscribe on a per week or per month basis along with the architecture Design Suite?
            A: You can subscribe to programs monthly, quarterly, or on a 1, 2 or 3 year term. Weekly is not available as a subscription option.

Q: I have 50 subscribed suites, will I will have to switch to an industry collection before my subscription expires in Nov 2017?
            A: No, you can keep what you have on an active maintenance plan to receive updates.

Q: Is it still current version plus 3 versions back for the previous use allowance?
            A: Yes, there are no changes to the previous use program.

Q: What do I need to do if my industry spans multiple collections?
            A: You may need to purchase a combination of industry collections and/or individual products in order to get the combination of software products for your needs.

Q: Can I pick and choose what I would want in my collections?
            A: The collections are set programs, you can choose to install the software that fits your needs. Or you may subscribe to the individual products you need.

Q: If we have several licenses spread across several contracts, can we consolidate those licenses under one contract when we switch to an industry collection?
            A: That depends on the renewal dates, please work with an IMAGINiT representative to review your options.

Q: If you switch from a perpetual maintenance suite to a collection and then drop the subscription later, will you still be able to use the software perpetually as you would with the previous maintenance plan?
            A: Perpetual licenses are not able to move to industry collections.

Q: We have some seats of perpetual licenses on maintenance, what happens to these?
            A: You can keep them maintained as long as you want to keep getting updates.

Q: Will there be a "Deployment" method for mass user installation where we can dictate different applications for different design groups?
            A: Yes, please speak with an IMAGINiT representative for more information on mass installations.

Q: Will the network license manager application change or will it remain the same FlexLM application with expanded license files for collections.
            A: At this point, it is the same as FlexLM.

Q: Do you need to reinstall from suites to collections or can you just simply change the SN and product key? For Multi-users.
            A: For 2017, you can simply change the licensing in the program now.

Q: Is a multi-user collection licensing controlled by the web only or can the collection licenses be added to an existing flexLM license manager?
            A: It can be controlled by a local FlexLM license manager.

Q: Does a multiuser license work across a Wide Area Network?
            A: Yes.

Q: What application (or web service) will be used to track product usage (by username) since we currently do not have this capability with FlexLM.
            A: There is not one, it is named user and assigned in the accounts website.

Q: What happens with a non-connected use, would we have to 'check out' a license before disconnecting from the server?
            A: Yes, you borrow a license for a set time you will be out.

Q: What are the implications of using a WAN for international offices? Can this be done without any additional fees?
            A: No, you will need to get the ETR or GETR license type.

Q: In a multi user environment where are the licenses held?
            A: The licenses are held on your server, it was previously called network licenses.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of users on the multi-user license?
            A: At any time, the number of purchased licenses count will be able to use the software.

Q: Is the complimentary 25GB of cloud storage available for each user?
            A: Yes, each user is given 25GB of cloud based storage.

Q: Are there more than 3 users that can be assigned to cloud credits with a single license?
            A: That is only available for multi-user license, the single user license is just 1 to 1.

Q: Can you track who used the cloud credits?
            A: From the shared cloud credits, yes.

Q: If the cloud credits are assigned per individual, what happens if that person leaves the company? Do the credits go with them?
            A: Yes, as the cloud credits are assigned to an individual not the company.

Q: Is there any change to how do the updates happen now?
            A: There is a desktop app that will notify you or your users of any updates required.

Q&A Session for Autodesk Licensing Options with IMAGINiT

On April 20 we hosted a webcast on Autodesk Licensing Options. In this webcast IMAGINiT experts outlined the upcoming Autodesk licensing changes and how this may affect you and your business. After the short presentation IMAGINIT experts then addressed question around the new Autodesk's licensing options.

Here are some of the most asked questions from the webcast.

Q: ­Is support available IMAGINiT or Autodesk? We have teams in different time zones and want to make sure that everyone can access support if they need to.

A: IMAGINiT offers paid phone support plans that cover North America beyond Autodesk basic electronic support that comes with the subscription.  If you require worldwide coverage, I would look at Autodesk enterprise support offerings.  Please contact your account manager at IMAGINiT for more details.

Q: ­If we own six perpetual AutoCAD licenses, but only three have been on maintenance for the past couple of years, will we still be able to put them back on maintenance before this change, or after this change?

A: ­No that is not an option, you would need to purchase the new desktop subscription. You would still "own" the current 3 licenses at their current version. ­

Q: ­Does the rental plan need to be used via the cloud or if the network option would it all be on a local server?­

A: Multi-user subscription is available (network).

Q: ­So is this Desktop Model a global model or US only? ­

A: “Global Use Rights”, “Previous Version Rights” and Access to Cloud Services may not be available in all countries and for all Desktop Subscriptions, and where available are subject to the Desktop Subscription Terms and Conditions and applicable Cloud Services Terms of Service.

Q: ­Have there been any changes to support virtual environments? ­

A: The Autodesk programs are supported on Citrix as a partner and have been supported for a couple years now. Search Citrix on the www.autodesk.com website for more information­.

Q: ­Can network perpetual licenses that are not on maintenance be moved to a new license server before or after the change?

A: ­Yes, you do not lose them, you keep ownership of the latest version issued to you before going off subscription/maintenance­.

Q: ­If we do not upgrade an old version of AutoCAD LT and continue to use the product, are you telling me this license will be considered illegal or simply expired? ­

A: No, you can continue to use that version until it does not work on new machine or operating system.

Q: ­Does the multi-user license have to be installed on a server where all users have access to? ­

A: Yes, internal server is best.

Q: ­What if I am a 1-person shop and want to have my software on a desktop and a laptop for travel. Will it would be one or the other?

A: ­You can install it on each that you own, given you will only use it on 1 at a time. ­

Q: ­Presumably, one needs an Internet connection in the new software model, what if one does not have an Internet connection? ­

A: ­You can authorize it connected and then you have up to 30 days disconnected before you need to connect to the internet to verify the license again.

Q: ­I have a rather large VDC project tied to Revit 2014 - will I be able to install Revit 2017 and still use 2014? ­

A: ­Yes, the subscription/maintenance does allow current and 3 version back support, 2017-2014­.

Q: ­I have a single license without maintenance. Will I be able to reinstall the software? ­

A: Yes, you can activate a permanent perpetual license you bought in the past.

Q: ­If we need to purchase additional network licenses after July 31. How will that work? ­

A: You will purchase the multi-user subscription license and combine it with your current licenses.

Q: ­If I have a multi-user license server, and I add in rental licenses. Will those be added to my .lic file, or do I need to do a separate deployment?­

A: ­You will not need to build a new deployment, just a new configuration is needed for the deployment­.

Q: ­Is the term subscription locked to a user or desktop? ­

A: It is locked to a user you assign in accounts.autodesk.com.

Q: ­What was the portal website? ­

A: ­http://portal.imaginit.com/­

Q: ­If one stops paying for a subscription, can one still access existing drawing files for viewing or printing? ­

A: ­You would have to use a free viewer­.

Q: ­Are there going to be a subscription multi-user license option? ­

A: Yes.

Q: ­Once I'm beyond that timeframe (July 31), am I out of luck? ­

A: ­Unfortunately­, yes. Then you would only be able to purchase new desktop licenses or continue to use the existing licenses.  We recommend you keep them on maintenance.

Q: ­My licenses expire in November; how does that impact me?

A: You will okay not be impacted if you continue to renew your existing maintenance agreement.

Q: ­Is renting an older version of AutoCAD is not possible under the new desktop subscription? ­

A: ­You get access to the current version and 3 previous version access on subscription­.

Q: ­Can we use the subscription model if we do not allow our PCs to go through to the Internet? ­

A: In this situation I would recommend the multi-user license­.

Q: ­How are the new desktop subscriptions allocated or authenticated to users?­

A: You users are assigned in the accounts.autodesk.com website by either the contract manager or software coordinator/s.

Q: ­If the original maintenance subscription was purchased from a company other than IMAGINiT, can the renewal be purchased through IMAGINiT? ­

A: Yes, call 800-356-9050 for more information.

Q: ­We are a very small office and have just one AutoCAD license for a single user, no maintenance. We have version 2013. Will it still function but just not update. Will I see any changes? ­

A: That version will continue to function as long as the operating system remains compatible.

Q: ­In the new subscription format is there a maintenance fee? ­

A: The subscription is a maintenance fee, just a time based fee now, with no large upfront costs.

Q: ­What are the training & academic options? ­

A: ­To see our training options visit imaginit.com/training.

Q: ­Does the license cascading work with subscription licenses? ­

A: ­Yes, products will cascade as they have previously.

Q: ­What happens with Standalone licenses? Does everything stay the same with them as long as my maintenance is renewed?

A: Correct.

Q: ­We are on a 1 year maintenance program, I assume there will be no change until we renew.­

A: ­Correct­.

Q: ­If we are using 2014 Building Design Suite Premium will we, or when will we be out of compliance with the user agreement? ­

A: You can use current and 3 prior versions (2017-2014).  When 2018 is released you will need to upgrade.

Q: ­What are the advantages between maintenance and desktop subscription­

A: If you use software as an ongoing expense and want to buy it up front with a lower maintenance fee, then purchase what you anticipate you will need before the dates we stated.  If you want low upfront costs and pay annually for the software use, then the subscription will work.  It is flexible if your seat counts change year over year.

Q: ­Is 3 months the minimum term for "subscription" license? Can it be on a month to month basis? ­

A: You can purchase direct with Autodesk month to month at a premium.  Or work with IMAGINiT to get a longer term cost savings.

Q: ­We have a project that still uses Revit 2012, will we still be able to use 2012 to open this project? ­

A: 2012 is not supported or available for activations today.  You really should consider upgrading the project.  This will only get more challenging in the future as the technology gap will widen.

Q: ­I bought an AutoCAD license in 2010. It was loaded and activated on a machine that turned out to have a bad motherboard. I no longer use the machine, and want to know how to activate the software on the machine I use now? ­

A: ­You can contact Autodesk registration: (866) 681-4359.

Q: ­If we are using a Network License manager can we add subscriptions into the general pool of licenses versus by name? ­

A: ­Yes­.

Q: ­Currently I have subscription perpetual network licenses of AutoCAD Architect, can that in the future be converted to a Revit Suite and still be considered perpetual if maintenance continues to be paid? ­

A: You cannot change that software, only maintain.  Check with your IMAGINiT Sales rep to see if there are any promotions for converting it into a suite.

Q: ­Please tell me how to merge perpetual and subscription that allows me of what users are using a seat. ­

A: ­Autodesk.com has a KB on how to combine license files if you search that topic­.

Q: ­Does the desktop subscription give user access to all Autodesk products? ­

A: No, you subscribe to the suite or product that suits your needs.

Q: ­What's the best option for me being self-employed? ­

A: I would recommend you talk to your IMAGINiT sales rep to see what make sense.

Q: ­How is a multi-user term controlled? Is every have to be added to a list? ­

A: ­Network license manager in your network server­.

Q: ­Is it still an option to cross grade between a standalone suite and network suite? ­

A: You will need to discuss with your IMAGINiT sales rep to see if it qualifies for a network license activation and fees.

Q: ­Is the subscription tied to a particular machine or user?

A: ­It is user based, so you could have a single person use 2 machines­.

Q: ­Explain more on the new pay as you go, can this switch operating system PC to Mac, user to user, how is the license cloud managed? ­

A: Yes, you can load the software on either operating system, you log in with your credentials to obtain use of the software via the Autodesk cloud license servers.

Q: ­For the (1) user with a desktop and a laptop, when you take the laptop on the road, do you need internet access for the user license­?

A: ­No, it just need to connect to the internet every 30 days­.

Q: ­Can the multi user be controlled by Autodesk not a local server? ­

A: ­No, it is local server only­.

Q: ­If you have seats for design suite and want to add Revit to the current suit does this have to be done prior to July 29th for best price? ­

A: ­Yes for perpetual maintenance­.

Q: ­I have 2 stand-alone Building Design Suites on current subscriptions. Will the serial numbers change upon renewal of maintenance subscription?

A: ­Yes, every version is a new serial number­.

Q: ­If when using a network license manager, we discovered that we have a need for additional licenses, can we buy additional licenses easily. ­

A: Yes, you can work with your IMAGINiT sales rep for this need.

Q: ­Do you lose your Vault information when your subscription ends and have to start over when you renew? ­

A: The data is not lost, just the access to it.  So in order to get a license to open Vault, you need an active maintenance/subscription or stay on the same version that is not on maintenance.

Q: ­For a multi-user license that needs to be verified online, can I "check-out" a license to keep it tied to a laptop so that I can use that program while offline (without having to keep the program running to maintain the verification of the license)? ­

A: Multi-user license is on an internal server to your company.  The standalone/named user model requires internet to access the software every 30 days max.

Q: ­Does the new subscription system have both single user and multi-user for Building Design Suite Premium? ­

A: Yes.

Q: ­What is lowest version to stay within compliance example we have AutoCAD 2014 Map 3D is that within compliance?

A: ­Currently yes.  As a new version comes out next year, you will need to upgrade.

Q: ­I have always had AutoCAD and buy new maintenance every year. I think there is no difference in what I am now doing for the future? I like the idea of access to the software if I want to use it at home or wherever I go. Do I NEED to make changes?

A: Correct.  With maintenance you have access to a home use license or able to install on 1 desktop and 1 laptop for an individual user.

Q: ­With our current maintenance, we have been provided with Civil 3D 2017, if we continue to pay for this maintenance is it likely that C3D 2017 is the latest version we will be allowed to use until we change our subscription to the new rental? ­

A: No, as long as you keep your maintenance paid, you will get the new versions.

Q: ­After July 31 you can no longer purchase a maintenance plan if you don't have one already. So does that mean you have to purchase subscription after that date only? ­

A: Correct.

Q: ­Does the Autodesk flex network license manager need access to internet if we purchase new 'multi-user' subscription licenses after July 31st?

A: No, you will obtain the license as you always have.

Q: ­Even if the three licenses have not been on maintenance for several years? Can those three expired be put back on maintenance before this license change? ­

A: This is very limited, check with your IMAGINiT sales rep for options.

Q: ­Do you need to re setup everything after renewing subscription? ­

A: No, this is just the license.