TUFLOW Licensing

Introduction

A TUFLOW licence is required to run TUFLOW except when using third party software such as a GIS to prepare input data or view results, or when running TUFLOW demo, tutorial or example models or in free mode.

Lock Type

TUFLOW Products are licenced via locks, available in two forms; WIBU USB-2 Dongles (hardware lock) and WIBU Software Licenses (software lock). A third form, WIBU Cloud locks, should be available in 2023.

WIBU Hardware Lock

WIBU hardware locks are physical dongles (USB-2) that contain TUFLOW licences. Licences are coded onto the dongle and can be moved between computers. WIBU hardware locks are recognised by the 2006-06-BD release onwards.

WIBU Software Lock

WIBU software locks are coded into the computer and are hardwired to the computer's motherboard. The software lock is more restrictive compared to the hardware lock in that it is locked to a single computer (or server) and cannot be transferred. WIBU software locks are recognised by the 2016-03-AE release onwards.

WIBU Cloud Lock (Coming Soon)

WIBU cloud locks reside on the Cloud and require an internet connection to be accessed. Cloud locks can only be configured as network licences (described below) and provide maximum flexibility for an organisation's modellers to access (assuming they have an uninterrupted internet connection). WIBU cloud locks are recognised by the 2016-03-AE release onwards and should be available in 2023.

Softlok Dongles (Legacy Product)

Softlok dongles are no longer issued as of August 2010 as they are unable to provide 64-bit support. Maintained Softlok dongles may be exchanged for a WIBU dongle for a nominal fee, please contact sales@tuflow.com.

Note, for the 2009-07, 2008-08, 2007-07 and 2006-06 releases, the “DB” builds or later will need to be used to recognise a WIBU Codemeter dongle.

Licence Type

TUFLOW Licences are currently available in two forms; local and network.

Local Licence

TUFLOW simulations can only be run on the computer hosting the Lock. For installation guidance, see:

• Local Licence Installation Guide

Network Licence

The Lock is hosted on any computer (e.g. a server). Other computers 'check out' licences from the host computer via a company’s network. There are no regional restrictions associated with Network licences. For installation guidance, see:

• Network Licence Installation Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I require a TUFLOW licence to create TUFLOW inputs and view results from a TUFLOW simulation?

No, a TUFLOW licence is only needed to run a TUFLOW .exe file (excluding tutorial, demo and example models or small models eligible for free mode). Running a TUFLOW .exe is required to:

• Process control files (.tcf, etc), check the data inputs and to construct the model using the GIS layers and other inputs. As part of this process any ERROR, WARNING or CHECK messages are issued to help resolve input data conflicts. Check files and GIS layers representing the final model construct are also produced to quality control the model’s inputs.
• To carry out the hydraulic computations provided Step 1 above produces no ERROR messages.

No licence is needed for all other tasks, including:

• Creation and editing of all input files and GIS layers.
• Running GIS plugins such as the QGIS TUFLOW Viewer.
• Running utilities (e.g. asc_to_asc.exe).
• Reviewing check files/layers in GIS.
• Viewing results (e.g. using TUFLOW Viewer in QGIS).

All TUFLOW inputs and outputs use free open formats that are readable and editable by third party software, for example QGIS and Notepad++:

• Download Notepad++ to create and review tabular data: Notepad++ installation and tips.
• Download QGIS: QGIS installation and tips.
• Install the TUFLOW Plugin: TUFLOW QGIS plugin installation and tips.
• Use TUFLOW Viewer to review XMDF results: TUFLOW Viewer.
  

Why is a pre 2010 version of TUFLOW not working?

In 2010 Softlok dongles were replaced by WIBU dongles. TUFLOW versions earlier than 2010 will be searching for a Softlok licence, however it is likely you have a WIBU licence. The "DB" builds of TUFLOW were created so earlier version of TUFLOW would recognise the new WIBU licences. Please download a "DB" version from the TUFLOW website.

How many simulations can be run at the same time?

The number of licences reflect how many TUFLOW simulations can be run in parallel at any given time. For example, a Local 4 can run 4 simulations at the same time on the one computer. A Network 5 allows up to 5 simulations at any one time across an organisation’s network. If all licences are in use when a TUFLOW simulation starts, the simulation enters a holding pattern until a free licence is available.

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