Software subscription services, based on the cloud, are seen to be much more relevant to the modern ways of working.
engineering software package was to install it onto a suite of desktop computers and only update it once a year, if that. In contrast, it seems like there’s an update for the apps on our phone almost every day. Subscription models also have the advantage of al- lowing customers to receive far more regular updates than the licensing model. Rather than engineers having to spend time downloading and installing software, those using subscription-based software benefit from updates that are rolled out regularly, with no extra cost to users. This is particularly useful in engineering disciplines where there are regular changes to regulations. For example, SkyCiv’s structural engineering software was recently up- dated to include the American Institute of Steel Construction’s (AISC) 360-10 regulations for steel buildings. For users, the software automati- cally updated, meaning they could be sure that their current designs were still in accordance with the governing body’s standards. Software subscription services, based on the cloud, are also seen to be much more relevant to the modern ways of working. With approximately 20 percent of the world’s workforce working from home, this allows engineers to no longer be chained to their office desks. Software can be used on a variety of devices and operating systems, meaning that no matter where the engineer is in the world, or if they are not on their usual device, they can still login and work on their designs. While licensing models are still popular in the engineering industry among big firms, Microsoft moved to subscription models for its Of- fice software in 2013, proving its importance in the consumer software industry. If companies such as Unilever are looking at new, innovative ways of bringing subscription services to their personal care products, then per- haps it’s time for engineering companies to take the leap and reap the benefits of subscription software.
Software licensing versus a subscription model
Which package is best for civil and structural engineers in today’s work environment? By Sam Carigliano
In July 2016, industry giant Unilever bought e-commerce start-up Dollar Shave Club for $1 billion. The success of the shaving subscription ser- vice, and how it is now being taken seriously by industry leaders, shows how subscription services are now becoming the most popular model of commerce. But what does the subscription model mean for civil and structural engineers? In many parts of the engineering industry, software has always been based on a licensing model. Companies may spend $5,000 to $40,000 on software packages that work using a licensing key. On top of this, these companies will pay about $800 a year to continue support services. While this may be within the financial means of large engineering firms, for engineers working for smaller firms, working on smaller projects, or for students, the initial outlay costs are simply not manageable. This is where the regular price of a subscription service may help firms better manage their budgets and avoid big expenses outright. Many companies now also offer more of a pick-and-mix approach to consumer products from insurance plans to holidays, which also extends to subscription-based engineering software services. For example, SkyCiv’s structural engineering software works on a modular approach, where engineers pick a base package, then add on the modules that they need. This saves cash-strapped companies paying for features that they don’t intend to use. As consumers, we now expect much more regular updates to the tech- nology we use. Long gone are the days when the only way to use your
SAM CARIGLIANO is CEO and co-founder of cloud-based structural engineer- ing software provider SkyCiv (https://skyciv.com).
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csengineermag.com
february 2018
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