Revit LT? Project Spark from Autodesk Labs

Project Spark is a technology preview of a simplified 3D building information modeling (BIM) solution. Using Project Spark, building professionals can create designs efficiently with real-world building objects, produce more reliable documentation faster, and share files (not with the preview product) with consultants using Revit or AutoCAD-based products.

Project Spark is based on the Revit Architecture code base, but does not support conceptual design, analysis, rendering, advanced collaboration, and API.

Try this Revit product for free for almost a year. The technology preview will operate until July 7, 2012.

Project Spark supports linking models created in Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012, Autodesk Revit MEP 2012 and Autodesk Revit Structure 2012 but the supported applications cannot actually open models created in Project Spark. Project Spark cannot open Revit 2012 files.

More information is available on the Project Spark Wiki page

Time will tell if there might be a future Autodesk Revit LT 2013 or maybe Autodesk Revit Architecture LT 2013.

Via Revit LT-ish Product Available for Download from Autodesk Labs

Autodesk University 2011 early registration

AU members can register now for AU 2011, one week ahead of general registration. Autodesk University 2011 comes with more than 650 classes and Innovation Forums that are designed to help you visualize, optimize...and revolutionize the way you work.

I’m a Speaker for one of the virtual classes going live November 29, 2011. Welcome to register for it after November 1!

CM3943 Autodesk® Network License Manager

Class Audience

CAD/IT managers and advanced users with CAD/IT management responsibilities for network licenses

Class Description

The class is for anyone that want to learn how to manage network licenses. Learn the steps to install and configure Autodesk Network License Manager, use Options file to define groups to be allowed or denied usage or reserve licenses for, command-line tools, troubleshoot and diagnose problems, optimization, limit borrowing, upgrade licenses, find out current users and how to create usage reports. Most tasks needed to know managing network licenses will be covered. This will benefit everyone new to network licenses and those that want to learn more.

Batch processing for AutoCAD - SmartPurger 3.3 released

SmartPurger is a script and batch utility for processing multiple AutoCAD drawings with full control. Execute LSP or SCR files on multiple drawings. SmartPurger handles crashes so the AutoCAD batch processing continues to the end and leaves bad drawings to be corrected manually if and when needed.

Here are news and fixes in SmartPurger 3.3:

-Support for scripting other applications like Bricscad or AutoCAD OEM by using the “Manually select AutoCAD location” checkbox.

-Version check added to see if a newer version of SmartPurger is available.
-Support for dialog box to be closed: Open - Foreign DWG File
-Support for dialog box to be closed: Annotation Scale - Large Number of Scales
-xstrcase usage within SmartPurger to handle usage of diacritics and accentuated characters in filenames
-Profile list is not always working fixed
-OCX registration problem fixed
-Correctly showing the total time when it is more than 24 hours

Upgrade is free for current customers.

Interested in batch processing AutoCAD? Free trial of SmartPurger available.

SSMPropEditor 4.4 released

SSMPropEditor is a Sheet Set Manager Properties Editor. Edit properties on multiple sheets belonging to AutoCAD's Sheet Set Manager (SSM) or AutoCAD Architecture's Project Navigator (PN) Sheet Set View with ease.

If you have a sheet set with a bunch of custom properties and another sheet set that you want them in SSMPropEditor will create the needed properties when using the Paste Properties button. No need to manually recreate all properties within SSM.

The upgrade is free for customers that purchased any earlier version.

Contact us to get a time limited license file for free.

FlexNet License Report Freeware – JTB FlexReport LT 1.1

JTB FlexReport LT is a freeware product from JTB World to create HTML reports on current usage of FlexNet/FLEXlm licenses. JTB FlexReport LT 1.1 comes with these news and fixes:

• Installer added.
  
• Option as AutoCAD 2012 Plug-In.
  
• This problem has been fixed: in some cases where Chrome is the default web browser the HTML cannot be opened.

Screenshots from a sample HTML report. All users using a license will be listed, when the license was checked out and how many hours it has been used.

The aggregated list sums up multiple license servers and gives an overview of the features (applications/modules/packages), number of licenses issued, in use and available.

Sorry all Mac users but this is a Windows application only so far but if you have a Windows machine in a corner it can report the usage from your license manager running on the Mac OS X. Congratulations though to AutoCAD 2012 for Mac and AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac. Same with license servers on Unix, Linux operating systems, they can be reported on but JTB FlexReport LT must run on Windows.

Here’s a couple of recent reviews of JTB FlexReport:

"I'm immediately putting it to use as I can now query every server with the click of one button instead of using multiple scripts for each server. Here's how it works. ... JTB FlexReport LT is a very versatile tool in itself and quickly provides you a snapshot of what is going on with your licenses at any given moment. As it's free, I'd highly recommend you take a look at it if you use network licenses." - See the complete product review at Steve Bennett's blog Adventures in the World of BIM.

"Jimmy Bergmark has released a snazzy freeware report generator for capturing FlexNet/FLEXlm license use. Run the app, click once to search for license servers and again to get a nicely formatted HTML report of current servers, license and user allocation. You can save the server search results making future reports just a click away." - See the complete product review at Robin Capper's blog.

For complete FlexNet reporting functionality see JTB FlexReport.

License Reports - JTB FlexReport 6.3.1 released

JTB FlexReport has been updated to version 6.3.1 with the following bug fixes:

• Chart Service and Client updated. Fixed a problem with chart drilldown when using SQL Server database.
• Fixed several issues with client chart reports created using the Detailed or Hour tab.
• Fixed a crash in Detailed Report that can happen on 32bit systems.

Chart Service needs to uninstall previous version and install new version and Chart Client can be installed to update to the new version. For users with JTB FlexReport Core 6.3 installed JTB FlexReport Detailed Reports 6_3_1.zip can be downloaded separately to avoid uninstalling/installing JTB FlexReport Core.

Downloads here.

Contact us to get a time limited license file for free. You can try it in your environment with your real data for a few weeks with full functionality.
Full support is provided during trial period.

Reason to install AutoCAD 2012 from a suite

Building Design Suite Premium/Ultimate 2012 doesn't license AutoCAD 2012

From Autodesk’s Knowledge base: TS17565918 and via Up and Ready

Issue

Your license server has AutoCAD 2012 and Building Design Suite 2012 network licenses.  Some of your workstations have have AutoCAD 2012 installed using the default AutoCAD product key (001D1).

When trying launch AutoCAD 2012 and you have run out of the base AutoCAD licenses, it will not license or cascade to the Building Design Suite 2012 Standard, Premium or Ultimate licenses.

You may receive the following errors:

Solution

In order to resolve this issue, install AutoCAD 2012 from the Building Design Suite media using the Building Design Suite 2012 Product Key. AutoCAD with the Building Design Suite Product key will be able to use a license from AutoCAD or the Building Design Suite license packages that are on the license server.

AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD 2012 in the Building Design Suite is not exactly the same.  The one in the Building Suite is slightly newer because is has some upgraded licensing components that affects license cascading. When starting the two versions you will also notice that the splash screens are different.

See also Cascade Licensing for Autodesk Products explained and Previous Version support for Autodesk Point products

JTB’s Process Monitor that is a module for JTB FlexReport makes it possible to monitor not only if the suit license is used but also what product is used, when, and how many hours. Process Monitor can also monitor most single-licensed Windows applications like AutoCAD LT, Microsoft Project, MS Office, etc.

Process Monitor has also the option to show a dialog box like below when a user starts any application specified to be monitored. This will save a project with the database transaction so it eventually will be possible to report on.

How to remove all Autodesk products from Windows

Sometimes this is needed. I’ve done it many times both on my machines and on users machines.

How to remove all Autodesk products from a Windows system

From Autodesk’s Knowledge base: TS45252

Issue

A previous attempt to install or uninstall an Autodesk® product failed to successfully complete and now you are unable to install or reinstall an Autodesk product on your system.

Solution

In these cases, it is strongly recommended that you clean your system by uninstalling all Autodesk products and supporting applications (add-ins, utilities, enablers, etc.), and by removing related files and settings before attempting to reinstall. The end result is a clean system on which you can install your new Autodesk product.

Before you begin

• These procedures are intended to completely remove Autodesk products and related support files from your computer including customization files such as menus, AutoLISP, PGP files, etc. If you wish to preserve any existing customization, you must manually back up those files before executing the procedures that follow.
• Before you starting uninstalling your Autodesk products, we recommend you restart your system to ensure that any pending Windows OS updates get applied first.
• Some options are presented differently depending on the version of Windows you are running. The following procedures include descriptions for the Windows® 7, Windows Vista®, and Windows XP operating systems. Follow the appropriate  instructions for your operating system.

For most Windows-based Autodesk products, the process of uninstallation is handled through the Windows Control Panel:

1. From the Windows Start menu, open the Control Panel.
2. Select “Uninstall a program” (Windows 7/Windows Vista) or “Add or Remove Programs” (Windows XP).

Windows 7 / Window Vista

Windows XP

The first thing to note is that each Autodesk product is listed separately and must be uninstalled separately.

List of installed applications

Even though you may have installed all of the products in a suite in a single installation, each individual Autodesk product and related add-in, enabler, bonus pack, or other supporting application must be uninstalled separately.

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Uninstall peripheral applications

If you're going to uninstall a product, you should uninstall the related peripheral applications before uninstalling the main application. For example: if you're going to uninstall 3DS Max Design, you should first uninstall the FBX add-in for 3DS Max Design. Uninstall this and any other related add-ins and then uninstall the main applications. This also applies to modules such as the VBA enabler, Subscription Advantage packs, and Autodesk material libraries.

Note: When uninstalling the Autodesk material libraries it’s important to remember that these libraries are shared across all Autodesk products and should not be removed unless you are removing all Autodesk products from the system.

1. Select the product to be uninstalled and click the “Uninstall/Change” link (Windows 7/Windows Vista) or the “Change/Remove” button(Windows XP).
2. In most cases this will launch an uninstaller for the selected component, allowing you to uninstall it from the system.

Repeat this process for all add-ins and supporting applications before beginning uninstall of the main Autodesk products.

When uninstalling the material libraries, it's best to uninstall from largest to smallest. Begin by uninstalling the medium resolution image library–assuming that library is installed on your system–followed by the base resolution image library, and then the Autodesk material library.

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Uninstall Autodesk products

Once you have uninstalled all peripheral applications, you can begin uninstalling the main Autodesk products:

1. Select the product to be uninstalled and click the “Uninstall/Change” link (Windows 7/Windows Vista) or the “Change/Remove” button(Windows XP).
2. At this point, the Autodesk installer will open in maintenance mode offering you the options to: Add or Remove Features, Repair or Reinstall, or Uninstall the selected product. 
   
   
   AutoCAD 2011 installer in Maintenance Mode
   
3. Click the Uninstall option and click Next to confirm that you want to remove the product from your computer (if you are prompted to remove shared files, click Yes to All).
4. After the Uninstall is complete, click Finish to close the installer.

Repeat steps 1-3 for each Autodesk product to be uninstalled.

Note: The uninstall procedure for some Autodesk products may require you to restart the computer when the uninstall has completed. If this is the case, restart the computer as instructed, return to the Control Panel and continue removing any remaining Autodesk products.

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Delete remaining Autodesk product files and folders

Warning: The following steps instruct you to delete folders at locations that would affect all installed Autodesk products. These steps assume you have previously uninstalled all Autodesk products and related peripherals and that it is safe to remove those folders.

1. Using Windows Explorer, locate and delete the installation folder for each Autodesk product that was uninstalled in the previous procedures, e.g.,  "C:\Program Files\AutoCAD 2010" or "C:\Program Files\Autodesk\AutoCAD 2012".

2. Delete the folder, "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Autodesk Shared"
Note: These locations may be different if your OS is configured to store the Program Files folder on a drive other than C: or if you installed your Autodesk product to another drive and folder name.

3. Delete the following user profile folders (substitute your login name for %username%):

Windows 7/Windows Vista

• C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Roaming\Autodesk
• C:\Users\%username%\AppData\Local\Autodesk
• C:\ProgramData\Autodesk

Windows XP

• C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\ Application Data\Autodesk
• C:\Documents and Settings\%username%\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk
• C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk

Windows 7 and Windows Vista: Depending on your system settings, Windows Explorer may not automatically display all the subfolders under the Users folder. If you cannot locate these folders by navigating to the folder, copy and paste the above folder locations into the Windows Explorer address bar.

Windows Explorer address bar

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Delete remaining Autodesk product entries from the Windows registry

Warning: Improperly editing the Windows registry could render your operating system unusable. Microsoft provides a wealth of critical information that you need to know about the registry in the Microsoft Knowledge Base at http://support.microsoft.com/support.

Use the Microsoft® Registry Editor at your own risk and only after backing up the registry. Instructions on backing up your registry can be found in the following Microsoft Knowledge Base articles:

• Back up the registry in Windows 7
• Back up the registry in Windows Vista
• How to back up and restore the registry in Windows XP

Additional information about the registry is available in the Help topics in the Microsoft Registry Editor.

1. Log on to the workstation as a member of the local Administrators group.
2. Launch the Run dialog by typing [Windows key] + R (Windows 7/Windows Vista) or clicking Start > Run (Windows XP).
3. In the Run dialog, enter REGEDIT in the “Open” edit field and click OK.
4. In the Registry Editor, locate and delete the following subkeys:
   - HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Autodesk
   - HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Autodesk 
   
   Deleting a subkey in the Registry Editor
   
5. Close the Registry Editor.
6. Restart the computer.

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Before reinstalling any Autodesk products

At this point, each of the previously installed Autodesk products—along with residual files, folders, and registry settings—should now be gone from the system and you are almost ready to start installing (or reinstalling) your Autodesk products. Before you begin, we recommend you perform the following tasks to help ensure a successful installation:

1. Reboot your computer. You should really do this even if you have not been prompted to reboot. Restarting your system before installation helps ensure that any pending Windows OS updates get applied before you starting installing your Autodesk products.
2. In Windows Explorer, delete the contents of your Windows Temp folder, but do not delete the Windows Temp folder itself. You can locate the Temp folder by entering %TEMP% in the Address bar of Windows Explorer.
3. Close all running applications. Some applications—Microsoft Outlook, for example—can interfere with the installation process. So, before you begin installing, it's just a good idea to shut down other applications that are running.
4. Disable any virus-checking software running on your system. Virus-checking applications may block certain activities detected as suspicious, e.g., accessing the registry or adding/removing/updating DLL files, even though these activities are common when installing or removing programs. Not only can it slow down the installation process, but it can actually introduce corruption. So make sure that your virus checking software is turned off before you install, and make sure you turn it back on when you're complete.

Several anti-virus programs can be disabled by right-clicking its system tray icon and selecting Disable from the shortcut menu (for more information about disabling your anti-virus software, refer to the vendor of that software). In some cases, disabling the anti-virus application from the system tray may not be sufficient and it may be necessary to use the task manager to end the process for the anti-virus software that is still running.

To verify that an anti-virus program is not still running in the background:

1. Press [Ctrl] + [Alt] + [Delete].
2. Click Task Manager.
3. On the Processes tab of the Task Manager, select the process for the anti-virus program and then click “End Process”.

You are now ready to install your new Autodesk products on the clean system.

More Information

For more information on uninstallation techniques, please refer to the following solutions:

• How to perform an automated uninstallation of AutoCAD 2012 and Autodesk Design Suite 2012 Family Products
• 2012: Activation and Post-Installation Tasks for Autodesk products and suites
• 2011: How to perform an automated uninstallation of AutoCAD

Potential Security Vulnerability in FlexNet license manager

IMPORTANT NOTICE: August 16, 2011 Potential Security Vulnerability
Identified in Lmgrd License Server Managers and the Vendor Daemon

A possible security vulnerability has been reported in the FlexNet Publisher lmgrd license server managers as well as vendor daemons. More specifically, it is possible that a malicious user with full access to the internal network could remotely execute arbitrary code under the user context. In response, we are asking all users to run the lmgrd and vendor daemon at the least privileged security setting to eliminate this possible issue. We will issue a patch by September 30, 2011, as a precautionary measure. This remains a theoretical vulnerability only. There have been no reported exploits of this possible vulnerability, and to date it has not been reported by Flexera Software users.

Vulnerability Details

This possible vulnerability may affect all versions and platforms of lmgrd and vendor daemon.

Mitigation

Users can virtually eliminate this potential risk by running lmgrd and vendor daemon in a least privileged security level. See examples of how to do this on a variety of platforms.

In addition, the following best practices are recommended by Flexera Software:

License Administrator Best Practices for Mitigating Risk Exposure
The following steps are recommended as License Administrator best practices to help protect against potential security vulnerabilities:

• Limit access to administrative users only by running the license server manager in a restrictive mode. Use the–adminOnly command-line option in lmadmin and the ‘-2 –p’ command-line option on lmgrd are the recommended settings unless you are using FlexNet Manager for Engineering Applications. Refer to the product documentation for limitations related to usage of these command-line options.
• Do not use the default 27000 TCP port.
• Utilize the recommended security settings offered by the Operating System (OS) vendors that resist the buffer/stack overflow attacks. For example, the Data Execution Prevention (DEP) feature on Windows helps in this regard. Most OS updates also include security features that take advantage of both hardware and software based protection mechanisms against malicious code execution.

Remedy

Flexera Software will deliver a hotfix for the FlexNet Publisher v11.10 lmgrd and vendor daemon release as a precautionary measure. This hotfix does not alleviate the need to run lmadmin, lmgrd and vendor daemons in a least privileged security context.
On September 30, 2011, a hotfix will be made available for all FlexNet Publisher v11.10 tier 1 platforms (AIX-PPC(PowerPC)-32 and PPC-64, LSB Linux x86-32 and x86-64, Mac OS X x86-32, x86-64, PPC-32, Microsoft Windows x86-32 and x86-64, Solaris SPARC-32, SPARC-64 and x86-32).
On October 28, 2011, FlexNet Publisher v11.10 tier 2 platforms (HP-UX-RISC-32, RISC-64 and IA(Itanium)-64, LSB Linux PPC-32 and PPC-64, Microsoft Windows IA-64, Red Hat Linux IA-64, SGI-MIPS-64, and Solaris x86-64) will be released with the hotfix included as part of the scheduled release.
Lmgrd and vendor daemons are backwards compatible and therefore we recommend all customers upgrade to the latest release.
Please note that Flexera Software cannot provide the vendor daemons to end users—vendor daemons will need to be provided by software vendors.

Full details here.

See also FlexNet License Server Manager lmadmin Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.

Use JTB FlexReport for historical and current license reports of applications using FlexNet.

AU 2011 Class Catalog Preview Is Now Available

The AU 2011 preview catalog is now available.  You can find it here. Registration goes live for AU members on August 30.

I will hold one Virtual class that goes live November 29, 2011. Registering starts November 1.

CM3943 Autodesk® Network License Manager

Class Audience

CAD/IT managers and advanced users with CAD/IT management responsibilities for network licenses

Class Description

The class is for anyone that want to learn how to manage network licenses. Learn the steps to install and configure Autodesk Network License Manager, use Options file to define groups to be allowed or denied usage or reserve licenses for, command-line tools, troubleshoot and diagnose problems, optimization, limit borrowing, upgrade licenses, find out current users and how to create usage reports. Most tasks needed to know managing network licenses will be covered. This will benefit everyone new to network licenses and those that want to learn more.

AutoCAD 2012 for Mac Licensing and Programming

AutoCAD 2012 for Mac software includes product activation in the authorization process. The process verifies that the serial number is valid and that the software has been activated only on eligible computers. The product activation technology allows an employee to install the software on a second computer owned by the employee’s company, provided it is for use away from the employee’s usual work location, the software is used only by that employee and no other, and only one of the two copies of the software is ever in use at any one time.

AutoCAD 2012 for Mac can be run via a network license. You can run “mixed networks”, with both AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD 2012 for Mac products sharing licenses. Flexera’s FlexNet manager is the licensing system used.

Customers with licenses of AutoCAD 2012 can now activate AutoCAD 2012 for Mac with the same license number and activation code. Customers with licenses of Design Suites that contain AutoCAD 2012 can also activate AutoCAD 2012 for Mac with the same license number and activation code.

Most LISP routines that work in AutoCAD 2012 will run without modification in AutoCAD 2012 for Mac. LISP routines that are dependent upon DCL or COM interfaces such as VLA or VLAX are not supported in AutoCAD 2012 for Mac. Existing ObjectARX applications will require some effort on the behalf of the developer to work in AutoCAD for Mac. At a minimum, ObjectARX applications need to be recompiled for Mac OS X. The API (application programming interface) libraries used by those applications, and the availability of those libraries on Mac OS X, will give some indication of the modification necessary for the application to work in AutoCAD 2012 for Mac. For example, the ObjectARX sample applications compile without modification. Conversely, an application making multiple win32 system calls will need to be modified.

AutoCAD 2012 customizations cannot be directly migrated to AutoCAD 2012 for Mac. However, AutoCAD 2012 for Mac uses a subset of the AutoCAD 2012 cui/cuix XML schema to define the user interface. The values are interpreted slightly differently (for example, ribbon panels become workflow groups) but they are very similar. AutoCAD 2012 for Mac supports Menu and Workflow customization; however, constructs like Profiles and Workspaces are not supported in AutoCAD 2012 for Mac.

AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac and AutoCAD 2012 for Mac

Network licenses can be reported on with JTB FlexReport.

AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac and AutoCAD 2012 for Mac

as well as AutoCAD WS for Mac is announced today. AutoCAD 2012 for Mac will be sold through Autodesk’s regular reseller channels, and Autodesk store. It will also be available on Amazon.com as part of a subscription bundle. AutoCAD LT for Mac ($899) and AutoCAD WS for Mac (free) will be available only on the Mac App Store. Apple’s OS X Lion operating system is supported. Network licensing is available for AutoCAD 2012 for Mac and can also be mixed with for example AutoCAD 2012.

Autodesk is splitting revenue with Apple. “They are acting an agent for us,” says Amar Hanspal, Autodesk’s senior vice president for platform solutions and emerging business. “They are commercially rewarded for doing that.”

AutoCAD 2012 for Mac software differs from AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac in three
primary ways:

• 3D Modeling: AutoCAD LT for Mac does not contain any tools for 3D
  modeling or conceptual design.
• Customization: AutoCAD LT for Mac cannot be extended or customized
  to the extent that AutoCAD for Mac can.
• Network License: AutoCAD for Mac can be run via a network license.
  This option is not available for AutoCAD LT for Mac.

Try out AutoCAD 2012 for Mac software by downloading a trial version at www.autodesk.com/autocadmactrial. This fully functioning version of AutoCAD 2012 for Mac is available as a 30-day trial.

From the press release.

Autodesk Debuts AutoCAD for Mac 2012 Products Built for Mac OS X Lion

New Products AutoCAD LT for Mac and AutoCAD WS for Mac Available Exclusively in Mac App Store

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK), a leader in 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, debuted a range of new AutoCAD products built for Mac OS X Lion: AutoCAD 2012 for Mac, AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac and AutoCAD WS for Mac software. This marks the first time Autodesk has offered AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD WS for the Mac.

The new portfolio of AutoCAD products for Mac expands options for millions of users of the popular design, documentation and collaboration software. AutoCAD 2012 for Mac was built specifically for OS X Lion and helps users create stunning designs on their platform of choice. AutoCAD LT for Mac enables users to document designs, optimize workflow and collaborate with colleagues and clients. AutoCAD WS for Mac enables users to view and collaborate on DWG files through the Mac interface. In addition, AutoCAD WS users can plot DWG files to PDF or DWF formats and sync with their cloud-based AutoCAD WS account, making files accessible from their AutoCAD WS mobile app. AutoCAD LT 2012 for Mac and AutoCAD WS for Mac are available exclusively in the Mac App Store.

“Since the release of AutoCAD for Mac last year, customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, further validating the need for professional design and engineering software on the Mac platform,” said Amar Hanspal, senior vice president, Autodesk Platform Solutions and Emerging Business. “Bringing AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD WS to the Mac shows our continued commitment to making design more accessible for an ever-greater number of people to shape the world around them.”

AutoCAD for Mac 2012 software includes familiar AutoCAD capabilities, such as 2D and 3D design tools, and includes 3D free-form modeling capabilities; 3D visualization and rendering; network licensing; advanced customization of the menus; support for LISP and ObjectARX and ObjectDBX applications; and more. AutoCAD LT for Mac follows common native Mac application user interface guidelines, with a familiar Apple menu bar together with a number of workflow-based palettes. AutoCAD LT for Mac also supports native Mac OS X behavior, including Cover Flow navigation and Multi-Touch gestures.

AutoCAD LT for Mac is perfectly suited for designers, architects and engineers who prefer to work in a native Mac environment and need to create, edit or review designs, technical drawings and documentation.

Like the popular AutoCAD WS mobile app Autodesk released last September, AutoCAD WS for Mac is a simple, free* app providing basic, intuitive tools for viewing, editing and sharing designs. Through its synchronous coediting feature, users may also collaborate on designs across multiple platforms — desktop, mobile and web.

AutoCAD LT for Mac Brings Professional Apps to Mac App Store

By delivering professional design and documentation software native for Mac OS X via the Mac App Store, Autodesk is helping professionals find design software for all their needs.

"Autodesk has done an incredible job bringing their apps to the Mac," said Ron Okamoto, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “AutoCAD for Mac has been a huge hit with Mac users and we’re thrilled to see Autodesk offer AutoCAD LT and AutoCAD WS as Mac App Store exclusives.”

With support for creating and editing files right within the DWG file format, AutoCAD for Mac and AutoCAD LT for Mac provide easier collaboration with suppliers, customers, clients and partners, regardless of platform. Files created in previous versions of AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT are easily opened in Mac versions of the products, boosting design productivity by reducing time-consuming file translation or cleanup of converted data.

AutoCAD for Mac 2012 is offered free* to students and educators through the Autodesk Education Community, where more than 25 Autodesk software products are already available for download to inspire learning and prepare students for successful careers. Autodesk appreciates the popularity of the Mac platform among students and is providing AutoCAD for Mac so they can build skills through access to the same software that design professionals use every day.

Availability

AutoCAD for Mac 2012 and AutoCAD WS for Mac will be available worldwide on August 19, 2011.

AutoCAD LT for Mac will only be available in the U.S. and Canada on August 16, 2011.

Cascade Licensing for Autodesk Products explained

From Autodesk’s Knowledge base: TS17532548

Understanding Cascade Licensing for Autodesk Products

Issue

You would like to understand more about Cascade Licensing and how it affects license consumption in your pool of available Autodesk product licenses.

Solution

Cascade Licensing is implemented for mixed-product environments where a single license manager is servicing multiple Autodesk products. Cascade Licensing allows an Autodesk product to obtain a license that belongs to another Autodesk product in the same license pool. With Cascade Licensing, lower ranking product licenses can be used before higher ranking product licenses; when all lower ranking product licenses are in use, a product will cascade up to use the license of a higher ranking product.

The ranking of a product is determined by its place in the cascading sequence for a given product. Cascading sequences—the order in which one product cascades to another—is pre-determined by individual product groups at Autodesk and cannot be changed or configured. Cascading sequences for recent Autodesk product releases can be viewed at the following technical solutions:

• 2012: Cascading Sequences for Autodesk Products
• 2011: Cascading Sequences for Autodesk Products
• 2010: Cascading Sequences for Autodesk Products

When possible, licenses are shared to minimize total license usage however the order in which products are launched affects the way licenses are initially allocated.

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Example #1: Mixed pool of Point product and Suite product licenses

A customer has two AutoCAD licenses, one Revit Architecture license, and one Revit Architecture Suite license, for a total of four licenses.

• User A runs AutoCAD and pulls one AutoCAD license.
• User A then runs Revit Architecture, pulling the one Revit Architecture license. At this point, User A has consumed two licenses on his machine.
• User B runs AutoCAD and pulls the remaining AutoCAD license.
• User B then runs Revit Architecture and, since the sole Revit Architecture license is already in use, it cascades up and uses the Revit Architecture Suite license. At this point, User B has consumed two licenses and all available licenses are in use.

Lesson: When a user starts a Point product, the Point product license will be checked out, if available. If there are no available Point product licenses, a Suite license will be checked out instead.

• Within a couple minutes, the Cascade Licensing logic detects the Suite license and returns the AutoCAD license to the pool leaving User B as having consumed only one license on his machine.

Lesson: Once there is a Suite license on the users machine, any lower ranking product licenses will automatically be returned.

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Example #2: Mixed pool of Point product and Suite product licenses

A customer has one AutoCAD 2012 license, and one Autodesk Design Suite Premium 2012 license, for a total of two licenses.

• A user runs AutoCAD and pulls the one AutoCAD license.
• The same user then runs Autodesk Showcase, pulling the one Design Suite Premium license. Because both products are part of Autodesk Design Suite Premium, AutoCAD switches over to using the Design Suite Premium license. The AutoCAD license is returned to the pool and is available for another user.
• The user then starts Autodesk 3ds Max Design on the same machine. Since Autodesk 3ds Max Design is also part of the Autodesk Design Suite Premium, it also uses the Design Suite Premium license. No new license is required and it shares the license with AutoCAD and Autodesk Showcase. There is still an AutoCAD license available in the pool.

Lesson: All products included in a Suite can run using a single Suite license on the same machine.

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Example #3: Mixed pool of Suite product licenses

A customer has 10 Autodesk Design Suite Premium licenses, one Autodesk Design Suite Ultimate license, and two Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate licences, for a total of 13 licenses.

• 11 users launch 3ds Max Design simultaneously. The first 10 users consume all the Design Suite Premium licenses; the 11th user takes the sole Design Suite Ultimate license.
• Two more users launch 3ds Max Design, for a total of 13 licenses needed. These two users consume the two Building Design Suite Ultimate licenses. At this point, all 13 licenses are in use.

Lesson: If multiple suite licenses on a server share a common product—in this case, Autodesk 3ds Max Design—the first license that will be used will be the one listed first (lowest ranking) in the cascading sequence. When those licenses are all consumed, cascading will move to the next highest ranking product available in the license pool. For example, the cascading sequence for 3ds Max Design includes the following order of products:

Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
…

---

More Information

KB: TS17437121

Licensing Cascading Behavior of Autodesk Manufacturing Products and Suites

The License Cascading enables a product to consume alternate licenses if its preferred license is not available

A product will first try to acquire its native license

If the native license is unavailable, the product will look for higher-level (e.g., suite) licenses.

In the image below you can see the cascading sequence for Inventor 2012.

In the image below you can see the cascading sequence for AutoCAD Mechanical 2012.

KB: TS1056642

Manually configuring the Cascading License Priority List (PLIST)
Issue
You want to know if it is possible to manually edit the 'PLIST' increment in the network license file to change the order of products.

Solution
You cannot manually edit the PLIST increment to change the priority order of specific products.

KB: TS13894457

Corrupt CascadeInfo.cas file results in failure of cascading functionality

Issue

Cascading functionality is lost due to a corrupt CascadeInfo.cas file.

Solution

If the CascadeInfo.cas file is corrupt due to a power failure or any reason, cascading functionality will not be available. This issue only applies to network licensed products and does not affect stand-alone licensed products.

Example:

Given the following cascading sequence and a license server with a license for Product B & Product C:

Product A -> Product B -> Product C

Cascading failure may present itself in the following way:

Startup Problems:

Scenario 1: A product that did not have its own license and that was previously starting by using a shared license through cascading will fail to start.

Example: The Product B license is available on the server. If the CascadeInfo.cas file is corrupt, Product A will not start on license B.

Example: The Product B license is borrowed to a system where Product A is also installed. If the CascadeInfo.cas is corrupt, Product A will not run on the borrowed license.

Example: If Product B is already running and CascadeInfo.cas is corrupt, Product A will not share the B license and will fail to start.

Wasted licenses:

Scenario 2: An already running product will fail to cascade up to and share another license.

Example: Product B is already running then Product C starts up. If CascadeInfo.cas is corrupt, Product B will not switch over to share product C's license after a few minutes.

Expected Log File output

Here is the expected log file output. You should see a fatal error message with a vendor id of 10 (eVendorIDCascade) and a vendor error of 6 (ADLM_CASCADE_STATUS_DECRYPTION_ERROR). It will also be followed by an AdlmInt error of 47 (ADLM_STATUS_ERROR_CASCADING_OPERATION) or 2 (ADLM_STATUS_INTERNAL_ERROR).

1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 Reason=Fatal error
1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 ComputerName=MyComputer
1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 OS=5.2.3790.Service Pack 2
1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 File=AdlmIntLicense.cpp,Line=xxxx
1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 VendorID=10
1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 VendorError=6
1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 Reason=Fatal error
1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 ComputerName=MyComputer
1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 OS=5.2.3790.Service Pack 2
1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 File=AdlmIntNWFBLicense.cpp,Line=xxx
1012 2009/09/16 15:07:20 AdlmIntError=47

WorkAround

The current workaround it to rename/remove the corrupt CascadeInfo.cas file following these steps.

1. Return any borrowed licenses

2. Check in any checked out licenses and exit all Autodesk products

3. Rename or delete the corrupt CascadeInfo.cas

The CascadeInfo.cas file can be found in the following locations:

Windows XP:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Autodesk\Adlm

Windows Vista and Windows 7:

C:\ProgramData\Autodesk\Adlm

Mac:

/Library/Application Support/Autodesk/Adlm/.config

Linux:

/var/opt/Autodesk/Adlm/.config

How to understand and manage your Autodesk licenses (video)

Autodesk network license feature codes

Cascading explained

Need license manager software? JTB FlexReport and JTB’s Process Monitor can be used to monitor and report on license usage of Autodesk products as well as many other network licenses products or stand-alone applications.

Cascading Sequences for Autodesk 2012 Products

From Autodesk’s Knowledge base: TS16981643

2012: Cascading Sequences for Autodesk Products

Issue

You want to know in what order cascade licensing checks for available licenses in Autodesk 2012 products.

Solution

The following order is used by cascade licensing for Autodesk 2012 products:

AutoCAD 2012
AutoCAD Mechanical 2012
AutoCAD P&ID 2012
AutoCAD Plant 3D 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Premium 2012
AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite 2012
AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite 2012
AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Design Academy 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
AutoCAD Architecture 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Premium 2012
AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Design Academy 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Design Academy 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
AutoCAD Electrical 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012

AutoCAD Inventor Routed Systems Suite 2012
AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
AutoCAD Inventor Simulation Suite 2012
AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
AutoCAD Inventor Tooling Suite 2012
AutoCAD Inventor Professional Suite 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
AutoCAD LT 2012
AutoCAD LT Civil Suite 2012
AutoCAD Inventor LT Suite 2012
AutoCAD Map 3D 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
AutoCAD Mechanical 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Design Academy 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
AutoCAD MEP 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Standard 2012
AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite 2012
AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012

AutoCAD P&ID 2012
AutoCAD Plant 3D 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Ultimate 2012
AutoCAD Plant 3D 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Ultimate 2012
AutoCAD Structural Detailing 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Standard 2012
AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Animation Academy 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Design Academy 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Alias Design 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Inventor 2012
Autodesk Inventor Factory Premium 2012
Autodesk Inventor Professional 2012
Autodesk Inventor Factory Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Inventor Engineer-to-Order Series 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Design Academy 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Inventor Factory Premium 2012
Autodesk Inventor Factory Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Inventor Factory Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Inventor LT 2012
AutoCAD Inventor LT Suite 2012
Autodesk Inventor OEM 2012
Autodesk Inventor Engineer-to-Order Series 2012
Autodesk Inventor Professional 2012
Autodesk Inventor Factory Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Inventor Engineer-to-Order Series 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Design Academy 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Maya 2012
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Animation Academy 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Adviser Advanced 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Adviser Design 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Adviser Manufacturing 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Adviser Advanced 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Adviser Manufacturing 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Adviser Advanced 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Insight Basic 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Insight Performance 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Insight Advanced 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Insight Performance 2012
Autodesk Moldflow Insight Advanced 2012
Autodesk MotionBuilder 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Softimage Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Animation Academy 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Mudbox 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Softimage Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate 2012

Autodesk Animation Academy 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Navisworks Manage 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
Autodesk Navisworks Manage 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Quantity Takeoff 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Revit Architecture 2012
AutoCAD Revit Architecture Suite 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Design Academy 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Revit MEP 2012
AutoCAD Revit MEP Suite 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Revit Structure 2012
AutoCAD Revit Structure Suite 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional 2012
Autodesk Infrastructure Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Showcase 2012
Autodesk Showcase Professional 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Factory Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Simulation Mechanical 2012
Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics 2012
Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk SketchBook Designer 2012
Autodesk Alias Design 2012
Autodesk Alias Automotive 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Plant Design Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Design Academy 2012
Autodesk Animation Academy 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Education Master Suite 2012
Autodesk Softimage 2012
Autodesk Softimage Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite Ultimate 2012
Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite for Education 2012
Autodesk Vault Base Server 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max 2012
Autodesk 3ds Max Design 2012
Autodesk Inventor 2012
Autodesk Inventor Professional 2012
Autodesk Inventor Publisher 2012
AutoCAD Mechanical 2012
AutoCAD Electrical 2012
AutoCAD 2012
AutoCAD Map 3D 2012
AutoCAD Civil 3D 2012
AutoCAD Architecture 2012
AutoCAD MEP 2012
AutoCAD P&ID 2012
Autodesk Navisworks Manage 2012
Autodesk Navisworks Simulate 2012
Autodesk Simulation Mechanical WS 2012
Autodesk Simulation Mechanical 2012
Autodesk Simulation Multiphysics 2012
AutoCAD Plant 3D 2012
Autodesk Product Design Suite Premium 2012
Turtle For Maya Premium 2012
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Premium 2012
Turtle For Maya Standard 2012
Autodesk Maya Entertainment Creation Suite Standard 2012

Software license management can be done with help of JTB FlexReport.

FlexNet Host Name, MAC address, and Host ID

Some useful info for those managing network licenses (FlexNet/FLEXlm) on a network license server.

How to find your Host Name, MAC (Media Access Control) or Physical Address and Host ID

From Autodesk’s Knowledge base: GS16485462

Issue

When attempting to install, register, and activate your network license for Autodesk software, you are prompted to enter for a Host Name, MAC address, and Host ID, but are unable to find them.

Solution

Definitions

Your Host Name is the name of your computer, a unique identifier - up to 255 characters long - that consists of numbers and letters.

Your MAC (Media Access Control) or Physical Address refers to the physical address of the Ethernet connection to your computer. It is twelve characters long, and is a combination of numbers (0 through 9) and letters (A through F). Your MAC Address will appear in this format (XX-XX-XX-XX-XX-XX) and may be referred to as your Physical Address.

Your Host ID, is similar to your MAC Address, and is a unique combination of numbers and letters that identifies a specific machine—similar to a license plate on a vehicle.

Windows©

If you use Windows©, please follow these instructions to find your Host Name, MAC or Physical Address, and Host ID.

1. Open the Command Prompt by clicking on Start ➤ (All) Programs ➤ Accessories ➤ Command Prompt

NOTE: If you do not have access to the Command Prompt, please contact your IT department, or someone with administrative rights to your machine, to help you locate the information.

2. At the Command Prompt, type ipconfig/all and press the Enter key. Information about your Internet Protocol Configuration will appear.

3. Scroll up to find the Ethernet connection information associated with the physical connection (not wireless or Bluetooth) and note your Host Name, MAC (Media Access Control) Address and Host ID.

4. Close the Command Prompt window.

Mac© OS

If you use Mac© OS or terminal window, please follow these instructions to find your Host Name, MAC or Physical Address, and Host ID.

1. From your Utilities, launch a Terminal window.

2. Navigate to the directory, where lmutil is installed.

3. Retrieve the host name by entering the following in Terminal:
<prompt>./lmutil lmhostid –hostname

4. Note your Host Name.

5. Retrieve the Host ID by entering the following in Terminal:
<prompt>./lmutil lmhostid

6. Note your Host ID.

7. Close the Terminal Window.

8. From the Apple Menu, select About This Mac.

9. Click the More Info button.

10. Under the Network, find the Ethernet connection. The MAC Address will be listed there.

11. Note your MAC or Address.

See also Autodesk Network License Manager for IPv4 and IPv6, FlexNet Options File documentation and tips and How to find the port used by a FlexNet license service.

Need historical statistics of license usage? JTB FlexReport from JTB World can help.

Try also the freeware JTB FlexReport LT for HTML reports of current FlexNet / FLEXlm usage .

Previous Version support for Autodesk Point products

An Autodesk Point product is a non-Suite product. Learning something new everyday.

From Autodesk’s Knowledge base: TS1085008

Understanding Previous Version support for Autodesk Point products

Issue

You are a Subscription customer who has received an Autodesk license file containing a PACKAGE increment for your network Autodesk Point (non-Suite) product and you would like to understand more about Previous Version support and how it affects license consumption in your pool of available licenses.

Solution

Previous Version support is an exclusive benefit to Subscription customers that allows you to run the current version of an Autodesk product plus the three previous versions of that same product. For network products, Previous Version support is provided via PACKAGE increments in the Autodesk license files. Here is an example of a PACKAGE increment for AutoCAD 2012, which includes the feature codes for AutoCAD 2012 through AutoCAD 2009:
SERVER myserver 12345678abcd
USE_SERVER
VENDOR adskflex port=2080
PACKAGE 64300ACD_F adskflex 1.000 COMPONENTS="85730ACD_2012_0F \
    85536ACD_2011_0F 71200ACD_2010_0F 57600ACD_2009_0F" \
    OPTIONS=SUITE SUPERSEDE ISSUED=11-Mar-2011 SIGN="0A16 AA48 D7D7 3F0F 6725 B01B 2E1B B7DB CC2E B13B 57C6 4069 F07A 8B10 D066 015C B7B7 F254 23B8 8C90 2B05 95D8 6977 4573 9FE8 3778 E2B0 3E3C 37D7 9A25" SIGN2="0941 23D1 7440 CFA3 FEAF A59F FF0A 991D 9B96 7828 E4D9 4599 EFED 67AB 64AF 1E5C C7F8 25F0 31E5 C80F 1F34 EEE6 8482 8FB8 3D4A 9C7A 4E76 5EDA 0257 37D9"

License Consumption:

Although Previous Version support allows Subscription customers to run the current plus three previous versions of the same network product, it does not grant additional licenses. Each unique product version still consumes a single license when launched.

For example, if you have a package license for two seats of AutoCAD 2012, the following scenarios can be expected:

You can install and run AutoCAD 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

Two computers, each running AutoCAD 2012, will consume two licenses. No licenses will be available for other users.

One computer, running AutoCAD 2012 and AutoCAD 2011 simultaneously, will consume two licenses. No licenses will be available for other users.

One computer, running three instances of AutoCAD 2009 will consume only one license. One license will still be available for other users.

See also Prior version support and license usage of Autodesk 2012 Suite products and Package licenses and prior version support

Don’t waste license usage, cut the software license costs with JTB FlexReport a Software Assets Management Software from JTB World.

Try also the freeware JTB FlexReport LT for FlexNet usage HTML reports.

AutoCAD Sheet Sets – Reasons to Use Sheet Set Manager

Brian Benton has put together this nice AutoCAD article TIPniques: Why You Should Be Using Sheet Sets for AUGI HotNews - August 2011.

How are you managing the data in your title blocks?  How do you populate the data in your title block? How do you manage recurring information in your drawing set?  If you and your coworkers are manually performing any of these tasks, then there is a way to reduce errors and increase efficiency.

The solution is to fully use and integrate Sheet Sets.  When fully incorporated into a company’s workflow, Sheet Sets can minimize errors, control documents, manage data, manage files, automate drawing set up, provide easy access to department drawings, simplify publishing/printing of the entire design set (or any part thereof), and archive your data.  Yes, it can really do all of that!

read the rest here

To further increase your productivity using AutoCAD Sheet Sets with the Sheet Set Manager, SSMPropEditor will make editing of multiple properties across many sheets a breeze.

Asset tracking - JTB FlexReport 6.3 released

JTB FlexReport is an asset management software that can create reports of network license usage and other software usage. JTB FlexReport helps to make purchase decisions with more confidence knowing historically how much your applications have been used.

JTB FlexReport is a report tool for license statistics monitoring of applications using the FlexNet / FLEXlm (flexlm license manager), IBM LUM (IBM License Use Management), SPLM (Intergraph SmartPlant License Manager), SLM/Sentinel LM/Sentinel RMS, LM-X, Solidworks SNL License Manager, Licman, Primavera from Oracle or 12D software licensing as well as any Windows application like Microsoft Office, MS Project, single licensed AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT.

JTB World’s JTB FlexReport has been updated to version 6.3 and adds among other things support for the license system Licman. For more details on the news and fixed bugs see the revision history.

Example of a report showing unique users that on a daily basis are using AutoCAD.

Existing customers with current maintenance (includes support and upgrades) are encouraged to install this new version.

Are you a IT manager, Software manager, IT assets manager, CAD manager or in the position of handling software licenses?

Make your network license management easier, request a free trial of JTB FlexReport. Contact us for a license to activate the time limited fully functional version for a few weeks.

JTB FlexReport LT – freeware for FlexNet HTML reports

JTB FlexReport LT 1.0 is now released. JTB FlexReport LT is a freeware product from JTB World to create HTML reports on current usage of FlexNet/FLEXlm licenses.

Screenshots from a sample HTML report. All users using a license will be listed, when the license was checked out and how many hours it has been used.

The aggregated list sums up multiple license servers and gives an overview of the features (applications/modules/packages), number of licenses issued, in use and available.

Click here to see a sample HTML report.

This YouTube video shows JTB FlexReport LT in action.

For historic reports, chart reports, support for other licensing systems and much more see the full JTB FlexReport product.