POLL - Should Archicad remove hardware keys?

[Anonymous]

Mangesmi wrote:
Isn't it high time for ArchiCad to lose the hardware keys in favour of software keys like the ones for Artlantis??

Why is Graphisoft still using this technology? Replacing and updating keys are extremly user unfriendly and causes halt in production...

laszlonagy wrote:
You guys should make a poll about this so we could have an idea of what percentage of people are OK with hardware keys and what percentage would like something else.

[Jere]

Tough to make a decision. I really enjoy the advantage of being able to install archiCAD on multiple machines and just bring my key along with me. The major disadvantage is when I go to work at home and I've forgotten my key at the office. Major bummer.

I'd support software licenses over keys if I didn't lose the flexibility to use my copy of ArchiCAD on multiple machines.

Perhaps using a network license of sorts would accomplish this. Using the BIM server to distribute and control user licenses. Of course, this would wouldn't work if your server went down!

[Eduardo Rolon]

Jere wrote:
Tough to make a decision. I really enjoy the advantage of being able to install archiCAD on multiple machines and just bring my key along with me. …

I have gotten used to this.

[Anonymous]

Needs a "Not bothered either way" button.

[Piotr Dobrowolski]

Soft protection without key is less portable, now I can install AC on more machines and just plug in the key to work on either of them...with soft protection the AC would have to be "unregistered" online...what if the internet connection goes dead just in the moment You need to do the switch?

I am not convinced using any kind of "cloudish" solutions regarding the real work.

Best Regards,
Piotr

[Anonymous]

Every major studio is using license servers over the hardware key. Local stored not in the cloud. Works much better, you can always borrow the license if you want to work remotely. I'm using the borrowed Archicad license all the time anyway. I don't want to destroy or loose the plug at the airport or on the plane.

[Anonymous]

I actually prefer the hardware key now, as I can load Archicad on several machines (home, work, laptop), and use Archicad on all of them as long as I have the key in my bag (which I always do).

The swapping software license (Artlantis) method is a pain (especially if you are not on the internet - ie; using laptop remotely).

[Anonymous]

Yes - get rid of hardware keys. Such an antiquated way. If Graphisoft want to protect their software, then I am sure that there are better ways for their customers which also allow for moving between machines.

I have had my hw key stolen from my office and having read the small print in the insurance about where keys are to be kept, that no employee may take one off site, and having to pay Graphisoft the full cost of another licence, I am now against HW keys and mentally suffer from losingkeyitus.

[aahatimo]

why either or, offer a software or hardware version. some of us only use a portable device, macbook pro in my case.
as i mentioned in another post, chief architect offered both versions, 10 years ago.
maybe the poll needs more possible vote options.

[Anonymous]

I find I prefer the software keys on the whole. Of course after twenty plus years with the dongle I'm pretty well accustomed to it. All the Autodesk stuff uses software registration/online licensing and so far I have had no problems with it. Of course they also allow me to install one license on both my tower and my laptop.