PowerDesigner is licensed as a package of modules, or types of model. Various packages are available, each regrouping some or all of the modules. Your permission to use these modules is controlled by the Sybase licensing system, SySam.
For detailed information about SySAM, visit http://www.sybase.com/sysam.
You can evaluate PowerDesigner by obtaining a fully featured trial version, which expires 15 days after installation. If you need more than 15 days to evaluate PowerDesigner, you can obtain an extension from Sybase, which will be provided as a standalone local license granted for a limited period of time.
To continue to use PowerDesigner after the trial period, you must purchase a regular license from Sybase or a reseller. The following types of license are available:
Standalone seat (local) – the license is installed on a specific machine and cannot be used on other machines. PowerDesigner reviews the local license file and authorizes only the use of modules for which a valid license is present.
This license type is convenient for smaller teams as it does not require a license server, but does not allow you to centralize license management. For information about obtaining the license, see Installation Guide > Planning Your PowerDesigner® Installation > Obtaining a License Key File.
Standalone seat (served) – the license is for a specific machine but, instead of being installed on that machine, it is served from a license server. You must be connected to the license server to obtain the license when you start PowerDesigner, and connect to the server at least once every 30 days in order to retain it.
This license type is convenient for larger teams, when you want the security of centralized license activation and management.
A 15 day grace period is granted for users with standalone licenses when the license server cannot be contacted or the license file cannot be read. There is no grace period for floating licenses.
Floating license (served) –licenses are not assigned to a specific machine, but can be requested from the license server by any machine, and are returned after use, or after 3 hours of inactivity. You must be connected to the license server in order to obtain a license, and must remain in contact (brief losses of contact only are permitted) in order to continue using it. If you lose contact with the server, you will be given 24 hours to save your work before PowerDesigner closes.
This license type is convenient for teams of all sizes, where usage patterns allow the sharing of licenses. For periods when you must be out of contact with the server, you can request a mobile license (see Obtaining a mobile license) for up to 30 days.
For information about setting up a license server, see Installation Guide > Installing PowerDesigner.