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 in licence free mode.
Licence Hosting Options
TUFLOW offers a variety of licence hosting approaches. Instructions are provided below for all available methods:
- Licence Free Mode: A licence free mode has been built into TUFLOW. For information outlining the limits associated with the licence free mode, see TUFLOW Free DEMO Version Guide
- Local Licence: In this form TUFLOW simulations can only be run on the computer hosting the licence lock. For installation guidance see:
- Network Licence: In this form the licence lock can be hosted on any computer or server. Other computers 'check out' licences from the host computer via a company’s network. For installation guidance see:
- Cloud Licence: In this form the licence lock is hosted on a central WIBU cloud server. Other computers 'check out' licences from the host server over an internet connection. For installation guidance see:
Refer to WIBU Lock Guidance for further information how to install, update and manage TUFLOW licences for all of the available licence hosting approaches.
Note Legacy Licence Type (Softlok Dongle): As of August 2010, Softlok USB dongles are no longer issued or supported due to the dongle provider not supporting 64-bit. For TUFLOW release versions 2009-07, 2008-08, 2007-07 and 2006-06, the “DB” build or later will need to be used to function with a WIBU Codemeter dongle hardware lock. Also, upgrade to release version 2016-03-AF or newer is required if WIBU Software or Cloud locks are being used for the licencing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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.
What is the best licence for me?
Hardware (USB) vs. Software (Digital File)
The advantage of a hardware (USB) lock is that it is portable and not tied to a specific computer. You can unplug it and plug it into another computer. A software lock is tied to a specific computer and cannot be moved once bound to that computer. The advantage of a software lock is that it can be installed on a computer that you don't have physical access to, and it doesn't require a free USB port.
Local vs. Network
The advantage of a local lock is that you only need CodeMeter installed on the computer that will be running your TUFLOW software, and the required configuration will be minimal. No network access beyond this computer is required. The lock is either installed directly on this local CodeMeter, as a software lock, or CodeMeter will pick up an inserted hardware lock automatically.
The advantage of a network lock is that you can host multiple licences in a single place (called the CodeMeter Network Server). Licences are shared to client (modelling) computers from the server over your network. To function, these computers need to be able to access the Network Server over port 22350, which may require some cooperation of your IT staff to configure.
Cloud vs. non-Cloud
The advantage of a cloud licence is that you can install it on as many machines as you like, and reuse it on future machines, for as long as the licence is valid. This gives you a similar advantage to using a Network Licence, without the complexity of network connectivity. Another benefit of this is that you can put the licence on computers that are not connected to your local network, which would make using a Network Licence on a Network Server on your network impossible, while Local Software Licences would not be reusable.
A disadvantage of a cloud licence can be the requirement that the computer it is installed on has https (web) internet access to `wibu.cloud`. Using a Local Cloud Licence also means that you need to distribute your licence to many locations, which may be a security concern.
Why is a pre 2010 version of TUFLOW not working?
In 2010 Softlok dongles were replaced by WIBU dongles. TUFLOW versions earlier than 2010 might be searching for a Softlok licence, however it is likely you have a WIBU licence. The "DB" builds of TUFLOW were created so earlier versions of TUFLOW recognise the new WIBU licences. Please download a "DB" version from the TUFLOW website.
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