How is GeoTools licensing done?

GeoTools licensing is done on a per-computer basis for a fixed-number-of-seats purchase and on a per-computer or based on AutoCAD serial numbers based mechanism for an un-limited seats site license purchase.

How does this work for me? What do I have to do?

After purchasing and installing GeoTools, send us your computer application keys (obtained by typing ‘GtAppKey’ on the AutoCAD command line). We will use this information to prepare a license file for you to enable you to use GeoTools. Before you send us your application keys, please decide on the computer where you will be using GeoTools. The license is not transferrable from one computer to another, except under certain circumstances (see below).
If you have purchased an un-limited seats site license, you can send us your AutoCAD serial number(s) instead of individual application keys of your computers.

By definition, the GeoTools license is not transferable. However, if there has been a computer system crash, or a hardware upgrade or a genuine re-configuration of your hardware resources requiring you to move your software to a new hardware, you can send us a request explaining your circumstances and we will be able to provide you with a replacement key. New license keys as well a replacement key are delivered within 1 or 2 working days.

If you buy GeoTools V11 today, all minor updates of GeoTools V11 are absolutely free and downloadable from our web-site. You need to pay for an upgrade only when the next numbered upgrade, i.e V12 is released.

The currency (or life) of a numbered version of GeoTools is about 12 months. We release a new numbered upgrade in the month of May every year. The timing is set to coincide with the new release of AutoCAD from Autodesk. The new version of GeoTools will be compatible with the latest release of AutoCAD and a few earlier versions of AutoCAD. Click here for supported versions.

The cost of an upgrade is approximately 35%-40% of the cost of a full license.

An upgrade is allowed only between the current version and one version behind the current version. So, today, GeoTools V11 is current and only GeoTools V10 users qualify to purchase an upgrade. Any GeoTools user who is two or more versions behind the current version will have to purchase a full and fresh license.

Staying current with GeoTools allows you access to new features, enhancements, bug fixes and support by way of FREE downloadable updates. Your own wish-lists, suggestions and feedback can get incorporated in GeoTools that will be yours to download as soon as ready. All these happen only on the current release and will not be available on earlier releases. Only a current version user of GeoTools can benefit from these.

On the other hand, if you upgrade after skipping a version of GeoTools altogether, you pay the full price for the license again (which would actually work out 20% more than two upgrade costs)  and end up not being able to use all the new, cool and exciting features of GeoTools for one FULL year. The benefits are obvious.

If you do not upgrade your GeoTools license, you can still continue to use GeoTools on the AutoCAD versions that it supports. The newer version of GeoTools is often required to run on the latest release of AutoCAD. This will not be possible if you are still on an older version of GeoTools. Additionally, you will not have access to new features, enhancements, bug fixes and support as explained elsewhere in this section.

Yes, each numbered version of GeoTools uses its own license file and you cannot use them inter-changeably. If you copy the license file of GeoTools V9 into the folder where you have installed GeoTools V11, it will not work and the software will continue to run in un-registered evaluation mode.

However, please be aware that the name of the GeoTools license file is the same (GeoToolsUser.rgs) for all versions of GeoTools. It is only the internal binary format that is different.

Please do not attempt to edit the license file. It is an encrypted binary format and editing it may cause the license to mal-function.

No, at this point in time, we do not have a floating license for GeoTools.

Yes, you will be given license file replacement support until two versions prior to the current version of GeoTools. There will be no license file replacement support available for clients who are MORE THAN 2 versions BEHIND the current version of GeoTools.

GeoTools is a low-cost software. Our upgrade policies are consistent with the practices followed by major software vendors of similar software. Our policy is lenient and to the advantage of the user and protects the interests of both the vendor and the end-user.

A new numbered upgrade of GeoTools is released in May each year. Users who have purchased GeoTools on or after January 1st of that calendar year are eligible to get a FREE upgrade to the next numbered upgrade. This concession is granted during the window period from January to May so that your investment in GeoTools made in this period is protected for atleast 12 months before you would be required to purchase an upgrade.

GeoTools is available as single user, 2-user, 4-user, 10-user, 20-user and an un-limited user site license configuration.

GeoTools prices are revised only once a year, typically on the first of January. Each price revision is in the order of 5%-10% of the existing retail price. The date on which the GeoTools prices are revised is also the "start-date" of the FREE upgrade window period.

The GeoTools English license file 'GeoToolsUser.rgs' is emailed to the client as a Zip file. You must unzip this file and copy 'GeoToolsUser.rgs' file to the same folder where you have installed GeoTools. Copying it in any other location will cause GeoTools to continue to run in evaluation (un-licensed) mode.

Yes, GeoTools can be installed on any computer on the local area network. Just like in the case of a local install, you will have to ensure that the correct network path to the computer, drive and folder name at the server (or remote computer) location are entered on your computer. This is done under the Options command -> Files Tab -> Support file search path as explained in the GeoTools readme file.

Please ensure that all necessary network permissions are available for the computers to access each other.

Yes, GeoTools installation and AutoCAD installation are completely independent of each other. Often, system administrators might install AutoCAD locally to minimize network traffic and load. You may want to do the same with GeoTools as well and install it locally but it is not mandatory. Additionally, GeoTools is a much lighter program compared to AutoCAD and there is no major network traffic due to GeoTools. So, you can install it only in one location on the network.