Software Editions and Licensing
Software Editions
Several PowerFactory editions are offered, to suit different business requirements and IT architectures.
Single-User Edition
This edition is recommended for end users who want to install, administer and use the software themselves on their local machines.
- Database: Local (SQLite)
Multi-User Edition
This edition is recommended for organisations who need to manage multiple user licences. A licence server software (which comes with the PowerFactory software) provides and manages the licences, which are accessed by the individual users via the local network. The number of concurrent users is limited according to
the number of licences that have been purchased.
An optional “floating licence” module is offered, which allows an individual to use PowerFactory without the need for a connection to the licence server.1
- Database: Local (SQLite)
Team Edition
This edition is recommended for multi-user groups requiring access to centralised project data and data sharing among group members. It features a multi-user database (ORACLE, SQL Server, PostgreSQL), with automatic database housekeeping (e.g. schedulable overnight) and integrated project backup tools.
The users benefit from PowerFactory team-working tools such as Master Project management, Project Versioning, Project Deriving along with Project Compare and Merge tools, which facilitate concurrent model building and data entry.
The Team Edition, like the Multi-User Edition, includes licence server software, and optional floating licences1 are available. In addition, the “offline mode“ allows individual users to work independently of the licence server and central database.
- Database: multi-user DBMS (Oracle, SQL Server or PostgreSQL)
1 The floating licence on a local machine is time-limited (maximum 30 days).
Licence Types
PowerFactory licences are offered in the categories Commercial (PF4C), Educational (PF4E) and Research (PF4R). There are also special licences for students (PF4S/PF4T). A time-limited Demo Licence is available for trial use and evaluation.
Commercial Licence (PF4C)
This licence is the standard licence for commercial use.
- Functions: package can be configured individually to the user’s needs
- Number of nodes: 100 / 2502 / 5002 / unlimited
- Licence technology: Softkey, USB Dongle3 or Cloud-based Softkey
- Support, maintenance and software upgrades included
- for the first 12 months of a standard perpetual licence, extendable annually under a maintenance contract
- in a subscription licence and time-limited licence, for the duration of the licence
Research Licence (PF4R)
This licence is offered to academic and research institutions for use in publicly funded research projects, i.e. projects financed by governments or other non-profit organisations. Commercial use is not allowed.
- Functions: pre-defined package including basic functions and the following advanced functions:
Contingency Analysis, Quasi-Dynamic Simulation, Network Reduction, Protection Functions (Time-Overcurrent & Distance), Arc-Flash Analysis, Cable Analysis, Power Quality and Harmonic Analysis, Connection Request Assessment, Transmission Network Tools, Distribution Network Tools, Probabilistic Analysis, Reliability Analysis Functions, OPF (Reactive Power Optimisation & Economic Dispatch), Unit Commitment and Dispatch Optimisation Economic Analysis Tools, State Estimation (SE), Stability Analysis Functions (RMS), Electromagnetic Transients (EMT), Motor Starting Functions, Small Signal Stability Analysis, System Parameter Identification, Scripting and Automation and Artificial Intelligence - Number of nodes: unlimited
- Licence technology: Softkey, USB Dongle3 or Cloud-based Softkey
- Support, maintenance and software upgrades included during the first 12 months, extendable annually under maintenance contract
Education Licence (PF4E)
This licence is offered to universities and other academic institutions for education purposes. The licence is particularly suitable for use in practical courses of up to 25 students. Commercial use is not allowed.
- Functions: pre-defined package including basic functions and the following advanced functions:
Contingency Analysis, Quasi-Dynamic Simulation, Network Reduction, Protection Functions (Time-Overcurrent & Distance), Arc-Flash Analysis, Cable Analysis, Power Quality and Harmonic Analysis, Connection Request Assessment, Transmission Network Tools, Distribution Network Tools, Probabilistic Analysis, Reliability Analysis Functions, OPF (Reactive Power Optimisation & Economic Dispatch), Unit Commitment and Dispatch Optimisation Economic Analysis Tools, State Estimation (SE), Stability Analysis Functions (RMS), Electromagnetic Transients (EMT), Motor Starting Functions, Small Signal Stability Analysis, System Parameter Identification and Sripting and Automation - Number of nodes: 50
- Licence technology: Softkey, USB Dongle3 or Cloud-based Softkey
- Limited support and software upgrades3
Student Licence (PF4S)
This licence is offered to individual students who have a valid student ID card as well as a current letter of enrolment. Commercial use is not allowed.
- Functions: pre-defined package including basic functions and the following advanced functions:
Contingency Analysis, Quasi-Dynamic Simulation, Network Reduction, Protection Functions (Time-Overcurrent & Distance), Arc-Flash Analysis, Cable Analysis, Power Quality and Harmonic Analysis, Connection Request Assessment, Transmission Network Tools, Distribution Network Tools, Probabilistic Analysis, Reliability Analysis Functions, OPF (Reactive Power Optimisation & Economic Dispatch), Unit Commitment and Dispatch Optimisation Economic Analysis Tools, State Estimation (SE), Stability Analysis Functions (RMS), Electromagnetic Transients (EMT), Motor Starting Functions, Small Signal Stability Analysis, System Parameter Identification and Scripting and Automation - Number of nodes: 50
- Licence technology: Cloud-based Softkey
- Limited support and software upgrades4
- Time-limited: Valid for 12 months from the date of issue
Thesis Licence (PF4T)
This licence is offered to individual students working on a non-sponsored Bachelor / Master / PhD thesis, who do not have access to a research (PF4R) or educational (PF4E) licence. Commercial use is not allowed.
- Functions: defined according to the scope of work of the thesis
- Number of nodes: as required for the thesis
- Licence technology: Softkey
- Limited support and software upgrades4
- Time-limited: Valid only for the period requested, with a maximum of 12 months
Thesis license application forms can be downloaded here:
Demo Licence
This time-limited single-user licence is free of charge for 30 days for trial use and evaluation of the software.
- Functions: pre-defined package including basic functions (without DGS and exports) and the following advanced functions:
Contingency Analysis, Quasi-Dynamic Simulation, Network Reduction, Protection Functions (Time-Overcurrent & Distance), Arc-Flash Analysis, Cable Analysis, Power Quality and Harmonic Analysis, Connection Request Assessment, Transmission Network Tools, Distribution Network Tools, Probabilistic Analysis, Reliability Analysis Functions, OPF (Reactive Power Optimisation & Economic Dispatch), Unit Commitment and Dispatch Optimisation, Economic Analysis Tools, State Estimation (SE), Stability Analysis Functions (RMS), Electromagnetic Transients (EMT), Motor Starting Functions, Small Signal Stability Analysis, System Parameter Identification and Scripting and Automation (excluding API) - Streaming version: can be accessed via browser, no installation required
2 Only for perpetual licences
3 At additional cost
4 For more information refer to the PowerFactory Maintenance and Support Services
Licence Technologies
Licences can be provided via the following technologies:
Softkey
A non-physical medium (file) that resides on and is bound to a specific computer. It can be moved from one machine to another, but this is limited to two moves per calendar year.
It cannot be used in virtual environments.
USB Dongle5
A physical USB device that needs to be plugged into the machine. It can be used non-concurrently by different users on different machines. The dongle can be used in virtual environments either by connecting it to the USB port of the physical machine hosting the VM or by using a “USB over network” solution.
Cloud-based Softkey
An extension of the regular Softkey technology for licence servers, where the licence information is stored on an external host in Germany, operated by a contracted service provider. The local licence server acts as a proxy only and forwards all licence requests to the external host. A Cloud-based Softkey requires a permanent internet connection and accessibility of an externally hosted cloud licence server. The cloud licence server is operated by a service provider of the licensor.6
The external host service is operated in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001. The service provider shall make commercially reasonable efforts to achieve an availability of the cloud licence server of 99.95% per calendar month. This does not include maintenance activities. For details on the contracted availability we refer to the licence agreement.
Cloud-based Softkeys can only be used in combination with a valid maintenance or subscription contract, or during the warranty period. On expiration of the maintenance contract, the Cloud-based Softkey will be converted to a regular Softkey or USB Dongle5.
The Cloud-based Softkey can be used in virtual environments as it is completely independent from any physical device.
5 At additional cost
6 To ensure the provision of quality service to all our customers and to ensure that the behaviour of some does not disadvantage the majority, you agree to abide to a fair use policy in the sense that the software is operated in a regular manner
Licence Models
Perpetual Licence
Perpetual licences provide the right to use the software indefinitely, and the first year of the Software Maintenance and Support service is included in the initial purchase price. Software maintenance and support for PF4C and PF4R licences can be extended for a fee after the first 12 months.
Subscription Licence
Subscription licences provide the right to use the software for a subsequent term of 6 or 12 months, and the Software Maintenance and Support service are included in the subscription fee. Your subscription will be automatically renewed for the next subscription term, unless actively cancelled with 30 days’ prior written notice.
Subscription licences are only offered for Single-User Edition Commercial Licences (PF4C).
Subscription licences are delivered as Cloud-based Softkeys.
Time-limited Licences
Time-limited licences can be used for a fixed period of time, after which they expire. Commercial Licences (PF4C) are available as Time-limited licences for 6 or 12 months. Demo Licences are limited to 30 days. Student Licences (PF4S) and Thesis Licences (PF4T) are valid for 12 months.
Engine Licences for Automated Solutions
All Commercial Licences (PF4C) and Research Licences (PF4R) are also available as engine licences. PowerFactory engines operate without a graphical user interface, yet offer full control through powerful programming interfaces, making them ideal for seamless integration into automated system solutions.
Licence access for engine licences using a Cloud-based Softkey can be provided either directly from an externally hosted cloud licence server or via an internal licence server acting as a proxy.
Overview
7 At additional cost
More information to explore:
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