Licensing Models
Mentor Graphics has three standard licensing models: perpetual, term and rental. The models differ according to the length of time you use the software.
A perpetual license gives you lifetime use of the software. You pay a one-time, up-front fee. You can choose the level of support you want to purchase for each perpetual license. Support charges are separate from the license fee. A Customer Agreement with Mentor Graphics is required.
A term license lets you use the software for a period of eighteen months to three years. It is similar to a lease. Products are licensed on a per-product or product bundle basis. License expiration dates are set to match the license expiration dates of other software at that site, not to exceed 15 months. Prices are based on a percentage of the products' list price per license per month. You can choose to pay the full amount up front or be billed annually in advance over the life of the contract. A term license includes full support for Year 1. You have the option to renew support for subsequent years. A Term License Amendment to the Customer Agreement is required.
A rental license is similar to a term license but is in effect for one to seventeen months. Products are licensed on a per-product or product bundle basis for not more than six-month duration. Prices are based on a percentage of the products' list price per license per month. You can choose to be invoiced for the full amount upon initial shipment or to be invoiced monthly, in advance. When the contract expires, you may extend the original rental commitment for additional months. A rental license includes full support. A Term License Amendment to the Customer Agreement is required.
License Servers
The number of license servers you need depends on the size of your site and the number of people who are using Mentor Graphics applications at the same time. For most networks, Mentor Graphics recommends having at least two independent license servers so that the licenses can be distributed between them for backup purposes. If your network has more than 25 workstations or you have problems with network crashes, we recommend you use at least three independent servers.
Need more information?
For more information about license servers, refer to Section Four of the manual, Managing Mentor Graphics Software.
License Types
There are five types of licenses:
- A node locked license lets a single user execute one software product on ONE adequately configured workstation.
- A mobile compute license lets a single user execute one software product on one adequately configured PC. If a Telecommuting/Remote Access Addendum is signed, Mentor Graphics software on your PC can be taken off-site (outside 1/2 mile radius).
- A floating license lets any single user execute one software product on ANY adequately configured and supported platform type workstation at one site *.
- A site license lets ALL users, on a given network, execute copies of software products on ANY adequately configured and supported platform type workstation at one site *.
- A limited site license, which is only available on certain products, lets ALL users execute a PREDETERMINED NUMBER of copies of a software product on ANY adequately configured and supported platform type workstation, on a given network, at one site *.
Transferring licenses
Licenses are transferable only with Mentor Graphics approval. If you have a question about transferring licenses, call your local SupportCenter and ask to be transferred to your Customer Response Team representative/Order Administrator.
Using X-windows
X-windows allow users to separate the location of execution and location of use for node locked or floating licenses. You need one license for each unique combination of location of execution and location of use. X-windows allow remote display capability with X11R4 or X11R5 protocol when executing on any of the MGC supported UNIX platforms from HP or Sun. All fonts are shipped in BDF format appropriate to the host.
* A site is defined as a logically connected network of computer workstations located within a one-half mile radius on which Software may be used and to which Mentor Graphics assigns a site number.