{"id":1657,"date":"2026-03-17T08:55:05","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T12:55:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/solidworks-licence-perpetuelle-ou-abonnement\/"},"modified":"2026-03-18T10:10:40","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T14:10:40","slug":"solidworks-perpetual-licence-vs-subscribtion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kotonavision.com\/en\/solidworks-perpetual-licence-vs-subscribtion\/","title":{"rendered":"SolidWorks : Perpetual licence or subscribtion ?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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1 - Why is the subscription model becoming the standard in the software industry?<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When a company wants to invest in SolidWorks, one question always comes up: should you choose a perpetual license or a subscription?<\/strong><\/p>

For a long time, software worked the same way: a company bought a license, installed the software on its computer, and used it for several years. This is known as the perpetual license model. <\/p>

In practical terms, a company paid for the software once, then chose whether or not to renew annual maintenance to access updates and support. This model was the standard for a long time, especially for solutions such as SolidWorks. <\/p>

However, today it aligns less and less with the reality of manufacturing businesses.<\/p>

Organizations now have to manage:<\/p>

  1. More flexible teams<\/li>
  2. Interconnected software (ERP, CRM, PDM, etc.)<\/li>
  3. Frequent and critical updates<\/li><\/ol>

    Software no longer operates on its own. It is part of a complete ecosystem. <\/p>

    That is precisely why the subscription model has become the norm across the software industry.<\/p>

    For example, Microsoft no longer sells its Office suite as a traditional license<\/b>: it has become Microsoft 365, a subscription service. And this transition now applies to almost all professional software. <\/p>

    With a traditional purchase model, each new version often involves a costly upgrade.
    As a result <\/i>: many companies remain stuck for years on older versions, sometimes incompatible with their other systems.<\/p>

    Conversely, a subscription provides access to a continuously evolving platform. Updates, fixes, and new features are rolled out progressively, without disruption or a complex migration project. <\/p>

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    2 - Perpetual SolidWorks license: really cheaper\u2026 or a false good deal?<\/strong><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    <\/p>

    There is one point everyone agrees on:<\/p>

    \"\ud83d\udc49\" YES, a perpetual SolidWorks license costs less\u2026 on paper.<\/b><\/p>

    Over a 5- to 10-year horizon, the purely accounting cost is generally lower than a subscription.<\/p>

    But does that mean it is the best choice for your company?<\/strong>
    \"\ud83d\udc49\" Not necessarily.<\/p>

    <\/p>

    In reality, as soon as you move beyond the simple theoretical calculation, the answer becomes much more nuanced.<\/p>

    Here are three real-world situations observed in manufacturing companies in Canada:<\/p>

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    <\/p>

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    Real case 1: a company stuck on an old version<\/em><\/span><\/p>

    A trailer manufacturer is still using SolidWorks 2019 in 2026.
    Why? Because its manufacturing ERP is itself on an older version. <\/p>

    Result:<\/p>

    1. The customer pays for SolidWorks maintenance<\/li>
    2. They cannot update their software because their ERP is on a 2023 version that is incompatible with SolidWorks 2026<\/li><\/ol>

      \"\ud83d\udc49\" The customer therefore pays annual fees without receiving any benefit<\/p>

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      Real case 2: unused licenses that are expensive<\/em><\/span><\/p>

      A cooling systems manufacturer buys 4 SolidWorks licenses in 2020.<\/p>

      A few months later: a COVID-related slowdown, and only 2 licenses will actually be used during and after that period.<\/p>

      Result:<\/p>

      1. Unused licenses that caused an inappropriate cash outflow<\/li>
      2. These unused licenses will accumulate annual maintenance “debt” that will have to be paid one day<\/li><\/ol>

        \"\ud83d\udc49\" The customer incurred costs that were not suited to the changing conditions of today\u2019s world<\/p>

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        Real case 3: license rigidity and unexpected costs<\/span><\/em><\/p>

        A suspension systems manufacturer buys a SolidWorks Standard license.<\/p>

        A few months later, it wants to add a specific feature (simulation, rendering, etc.).<\/p>

        They are asked to pay an “upgrade fee” + higher annual maintenance to access that module.<\/p>

        Result:<\/p>

        1. The customer ultimately gives up on a feature they needed <\/p><\/li>

        2. The customer must pay an upgrade fee if they want to move up the license, AND a “downgrade” fee if the module is no longer needed<\/li><\/ol>
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          These situations are not exceptions; they reflect issues faced by the majority of industrial companies.<\/strong><\/p>

          Why?<\/p>