Authorization codes for Mentor Graphics software use a system called Exact Access, which incorporates functionality provided by Macrovision's FLEXlm and Mentor Graphics' MGLS/PCLS software.

What is the reason for Exact Access authorization codes?

In the past, Mentor released software on an annual basis. In-between these annual releases we issued patches to address defects, but all new functionality was held for the annual release. When the annual release came out, a new authorization code was required to run the new release. Based on this model, authcodes could be generated for several years, and whether you were on support or not, you could get the defect releases, but only support customers would get a new authcode for the new release with the increased functionality.

Several years ago, Mentor changed the process for delivering new functionality. Instead of waiting for the "big bang" release once a year, many customers have asked for incremental improvements throughout the year. Since it is possible that we could release one of these updates each month, we looked for a way to release new functionality to our support installed base that did two things:

• Did not require customers to re-license each month.
• Ensured that customers off support could not load monthly releases and take advantage of the new features.

What is Exact Access?

To meet both needs we implemented the Exact Access authcode system. It works like this: when you get your authcode each year, there is an "Exact Access" date embedded that represents the expiration date of your support contract. Every software release has the date of the release embedded in it as well. As long as the "Exact Access" date in the authcode is later than the release date, the release will run with no further authcode required.

However, if the release date is later than the Exact Access date in the authcode (in other words, you are not on support so you did not get a new authcode), then you will not be able to use the release. Of course this means we need to send you a new authcode with a new Exact Access date each time you renew your support contract. This is typically an annual event.

Is there a second date embedded in the authorization codes?

There is also a date for the expiration of the authcode itself embedded inside the authcode. It is different from the date that gives you access to releases. The authcode expiration date is 3 months past your support contract expiration date. This second date was implemented at the request of some of our larger customers to help them manage their assets, and at the request of our Board of Directors to protect our Intellectual Property. With Exact Access, authorization codes are renewed every year subsequent to your support contract renewal. That is, there will be one date for authorization code expiration at your site.

What are the benefits of Exact Access?

Exact Access codes help you manage your software assets more easily by:

• Providing a consistent authorization code mechanism across all your Mentor Graphics products;
• Synchronizing authorization code expiration dates for all Mentor Graphics products at your site;
• Decreasing inadvertent usage of software that results from housekeeping activities like transfers.
• Allowing smoother, more convenient request and delivery of authorization codes.

While your authorization codes are issued yearly when you renew your support contract, you are still entitled to access your software perpetually if you purchased a perpetual license.

Exact Access Date

Since the Exact Access date in the example is 2007.060, this authorization code will work with versions of the product using Mentor's licensing scheme released in June 2007 or earlier.

Expiration Date of the Authorization Code

In the example, the authorization code expires (no longer works to run programs) on September 30, 2007.

We want you to know that we have had few problems with Exact Access licensing. Here are a few of the reasons:

• We quote support 90 days before expiration of your contract, and give you an extra 90 days for your authcodes to expire. That's half a year leeway to get new authcodes.
• Our Worldwide Order Fulfillment team generates thousands of authcode files every year.
• Their committed turnaround time on authcodes is 24 hours. They work extremely hard to assure you are never in a critical "production stopping" situation.

To learn how to download authorization codes from SupportNet, please view this short  informative video.

Following are a series of Frequently Asked Questions that provide further explanation about Exact Access licensing.

Exact Access Frequently Asked Questions