When purchasing SOLIDWORKS online, there are three main options available for you to receive your license instantly: 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS, SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services, and SOLIDWORKS Cloud. Each of these solutions offers unique benefits, features, and capabilities. In this blog, we’ll explore the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
- 3D Modeling and 2D Drawings
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services both offer professional-grade CAD tools SOLIDWORKS users know and trust. They allow you to create high-quality 3D models and 2D drawings for manufacturing, testing, and prototyping.
SOLIDWORKS Cloud, on the other hand, brings next-generation, cloud-based CAD to the table. It allows you to design freely without worrying about complex assembly structures, and the cloud-based nature means you can work from any device, anywhere.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS: Professional-grade CAD
SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services: Professional-grade CAD
SOLIDWORKS Cloud: Next-gen, cloud-based CAD for flexibility and mobility
- Real-time Cross-team Collaboration
All three solutions provide real-time collaboration tools. This is essential for design teams working together, allowing multiple stakeholders to collaborate seamlessly on the same project, regardless of their location.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS: Included
SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services: Included
SOLIDWORKS Cloud: Included
- Hassle-free Storage and Revision Management
Keeping track of design versions and revisions can be challenging. Fortunately, all three solutions include hassle-free storage and revision management in the cloud. This ensures that you and your team are always working on the latest version of the design, and previous iterations are easily accessible when needed.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS: Cloud-based storage and revision management included
SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services: Cloud-based storage and revision management included
SOLIDWORKS Cloud: Cloud-based storage and revision management included
- Scaling Up to a Full 3DEXPERIENCE Works Portfolio
For teams and businesses looking to grow, the ability to scale your software capabilities is important. All three options give you the opportunity to expand your toolset by adding more solutions from the 3DEXPERINCE Works portfolio. This allows you to customize your software suite to meet your growing demands as projects and workflows become more complex.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS: Scalable
SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services: Scalable
SOLIDWORKS Cloud: Scalable
- Licensing
The licensing structure varies between the three solutions. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS and SOLIDWORKS Cloud allow a specific user to access the software from multiple devices, offering flexibility for those who switch between computers. SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services, however, is licensed to a single machine, meaning only that device can access the software.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS: Access on multiple devices
SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services: Single machine access
SOLIDWORKS Cloud: Access on multiple devices
- Installation Requirements
One of the standout features of SOLIDWORKS Cloud is that it requires no installation. It’s a fully cloud-based solution, so you can use it anywhere, on any device (including mobile devices). In contrast, both 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS AND SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services require local installation on a PC.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS: Local installation required
SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services: Local installation required
SOLIDWORKS Cloud: No installation needed, fully cloud-based
- Updates
Keeping your software up-to-date ensures that you’re always working with the latest features and security patches. 3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS benefits from automatic cloud updates, but requires manual updates for the local installation, which must be done within 30 days. SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services requires users to manually download and install updates. SOLIDWORKS Cloud, being entirely cloud-based, updates automatically.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS: Automatic cloud updates, manual for local install
SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services: Manual updates required
SOLIDWORKS Cloud: Automatic updates
- Training & Support
No matter which solution you choose, training and support are included. SOLIDWORKS and CAD Micro provide excellent customer support and a range of training options to ensure users can maximize their design potential.
3DEXPERIENCE SOLIDWORKS: Included
SOLIDWORKS with Cloud Services: Included
SOLIDWORKS Cloud: Included
