TriMech recently received clarification from Microsoft regarding Microsoft’s SQL Server software and licensing. 

We would like to make you aware of the possible effects on your use of it in conjunction with the SOLIDWORKS PDM and SOLIDWORKS PDM Professional. 

Please note that this information only applies to those who are using the SQL Server licenses supplied with SOLIDWORKS EPDM and have purchased only individual licenses of SOLIDWORKS EPDM. These are the CAD Editor, Contributor and Viewer licenses that utilize the Server + Client Access License (CAL) model for Microsoft SQL Server. 

Customers who have purchased SOLIDWORKS EPDM PSL licenses (the 25, 50, 100 and 200 license bundles) will not be affected even if they own both individual and PSL licenses. SOLIDWORKS PSL licenses utilize the Microsoft SQL Server Core license model, which has different licensing rules.

We ask that you analyze your implementation to ensure that you have sufficient SQL Server CAL Licenses. SOLIDWORKS EPDM licenses are concurrent and floating, but SQL Server CALs are not concurrent and floating. In some cases, you may need to purchase additional SQL Server CALs to be in compliance with the SOLIDWORKS End User License Agreement (EULA).

You are responsible for your own particular licensing structures, including determining your licensing needs and remaining in compliance.

Microsoft requires each person or device (such as a computer, tablet or smart phone) that can connect to the SQL Server to have a CAL license under the Server + CAL model. One CAL license is included with each individual license of SOLIDWORKS EPDM. If your company has more users or devices (whichever is lower) than its number of SOLIDWORKS EPDM licenses, it would need additional CAL licenses.

Microsoft can and periodically does change the terms and conditions of its SQL Server and other licensing. Although this communication represents our general understanding of such licensing with respect to SOLIDWORKS EPDM at the time it was provided to us, we are providing it here solely for informational purposes.

For more information about Microsoft SQL Server licensing, please refer to the Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Licensing Guide or contact our Technical Support team.