www.form·Z.com | support: WIBU keys

About the WIBU keys

July 1, 2002

As previously announced, with form·Z 3.9.5, AutoDesSys is switching to a new manufacturer of copy protection keys. While these new keys will be required for version 4.0, they are being introduced with version 3.9.5 to allow for a smoother transition. Version 3.9.5 supports both the old and the new keys, however, the new key is required to run Mac OS X (Classic mode). Version 4.0 will use the new key exclusively. The new key is available in a USB version for MacOS 9, MacOS X, and Windows. A new version of the traditional Parallel key will also be available for Windows machines.

Why are we switching keys?

There are at least two reasons that make the switch necessary. The old keys can not support Mac OS X and the keys we used previously are no longer manufactured. Beyond these reasons, there are a few more that make the new keys highly desirable:

The new USB keys are cross-platform: This eliminates the need for our users to have to declare under which platform they will be running and allows them to switch from one to the other without any special permission or charge by AutoDesSys. Being cross-platform also allows for mixed multi-user licenses (see below).

The new keys support network licenses: This will allow us to replace the multi-user licenses (that require individual keys) with network licenses that run with a single key. Additional advantages of the network licenses over the old multi-user licenses are summarized below.

Higher quality, stability, and security: All of these offer some major advantages to users and make it easier to manage the keys, as they are expected to reduce the frequency of key failures and other problems relating to keys.

Multi-user licenses become network licenses

As already mentioned above, all multi-user licenses will be replaced with network server based site licenses (referred to as network licenses), which offers some major advantages:

Easier to manage: Allowing the flexibility to run the authorized form·Z license on any number of machines eliminates the need to physically move keys around. It also makes installing, updating, adding/subtracting seats, etc. much easier.

Cross-platform or mixed installations: A network license allows some of the form·Z seats to be on Macintosh and some on Windows computers, all managed by a single server, which may be a Windows or a Macintosh machine.

Better protection against loss of keys: Individual keys spread over possibly large areas not under the immediate supervision of a lab manager are prone to loss or theft. The single network key is much easier to safeguard.

Easier to maintain backup keys: These are useful for avoiding work interruptions, when a key goes bad. While it is not practical to maintain backups for all the individual keys of a multi-user license, it is quite practical to have a backup for a network key. As a matter of fact AutoDesSys will automatically be including a backup key with all new site licenses of at least 5 seats. When the need arises, backup keys will be activated with a code provided with an e-mail.

While in the future network licenses will be the standard multi-user site licenses, split site licenses will also be available. A license is split when part of it runs as a network license and part of it with individual keys. Such a license is necessary for accommodating lap tops that can not be permanently connected to a network. With split licenses the cost of the additional keys will be in addition to the cost of the license.

Replacing the keys of family plan subscribers

Key replacements will require that the old keys be deactivated or returned to AutoDesSys, which will follow these steps:

New key is issued to a licensee. This key has an expiration date.
The old key is returned to AutoDesSys.
After receipt of the old key, AutoDesSys issues a code with which the licensee can cancel the expiration date of the new key.

Single user licenses:
Keys will be replaced at no charge.

Multi-user licenses:
They will be replaced by a network license, which requires a single key. This key will be issued by AutoDesSys at no charge.

Multi-user licensees that require split licenses (and thus more than one key) should inform AutoDesSys accordingly.

Academic licenses:
As for the regular licenses for both single and multi-user licenses.

Replacing the keys of users outside the family plan

Single and multi-user licensees with both professional and academic licenses can order the 3.9.5 Update and new replacement keys. As with the family plan users, all multi-user licenses will be replaced by network licenses, which require a single key. The option to order an update to a split license will also be available for a cost analogous to the number of keys required.

When you order and receive update 3.9.5 and your new key, you will first need to run the form·Z Installer we shall provide, with both the old and the new keys, and you will activate the new key while setting a 4-month expiration date on your old one. That is, both keys will be available to run for about 4 months, which should provide sufficient transitionary time. If you do not have a computer to which you can attach both your old and new keys at the same time, we shall send you the new key with an expiration date and expect you to return the old key. When we receive the old key, we shall give you a code to extend the life of your Wibu key. You will need to tell us which process you wish to follow. If you have a multi-user license, which will now be switched to a network or split license, the only choice will be to return the old keys to us.

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