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The Tracks licensing structure offers an alternative method of software access and support. Rather than licensing a user to a version of software, Tracks has a system of annual licensing fees that maintains all our users at our latest version. Additionally our licensing system includes full support instead of asking users to purchase support agreements. While this system may be quite different from most, There are some significant advantages that we have identified.

Our company has specialized in the implementation of CAD and the development of CAD solutions since the mid 1980s. During this time we have noticed that the biggest impediment to successful use of CAD for most users is not just the lack of support, but a lack of commitment by CAD software providers. Users need to be assured that the CAD system they use is going to work in their own situation. It needs to make work more effective, not more complicated.

As a consequence, our company has tried to work in partnership with our users at all times. We strive to not only provide a great CAD system, but to ensure that users are supported with implementation so our program will work for them. This commitment on our behalf has implications both for our support structure and also for the way we develop software. Tracks is very much a "live" system, with development being a continual process. We like to keep in contact with our users and respond accordingly to feedback. We also like to have the latest development of our software available to users as soon as possible.

The licence concept allows us to provide users with this level of support. We can provide upgrades on the website, so that the latest version is available to all our users within hours of completion. We can also provide users with unlimited personal support. While many of our users still phone us, email is proving to be the most efficient method for dealing with queries. It is also easy to attach a drawing to an email message to discuss specific problems a client might have. Our future plans include development of our website, with help pages and mini-tutorials on specific concepts.

The advantages to our company are also substantial. Obviously, the licensing system provides us with a guaranteed source of income. Tracks is our sole business interest and we dedicate a great deal of time to its development and support. It is nice to be able to see some stable form of income as well as the more risky process of developing new material with the hope of selling to clients. This will also ensure that we will be around to continue supporting our product! Other benefits are also important. Rather than having clients with assorted versions of our software, we can ensure that everyone is up-to-date and can use the latest tools provided for specific purposes.

How the Tracks licensing system works

Whether you download Tracks from our Website, activate the trial version on the new Visual Cadd 5 release or you are mailed a Tracks CD, the Tracks install will work the same way. The initial install will allow you to use Tracks for a trial period of 60 days. After this time, you will be told that the trial has expired and you can choose to uninstall Tracks or you can contact ACAD Solutions to obtain a hardware lock that will allow you to keep using Tracks.

If you decide that you would like to purchase Tracks, you will need to contact ACAD Solutions and arrange to pay your initial licence fee. You will then be mailed a Tracks hardware lock that will allow you to continue using Tracks for 12 months. You will also be registered as a Tracks user and you will be entitled to Tracks support.

How will you renew your annual licence? As your 12 months licence nears expiry, you will receive several warning messages. To renew your licence, you will need to pay your annual fee and obtain your reactivation codes from ACAD Solutions. You will then run a software utility which will re-activate your lock for another 12 months. If you do not renew your licence, Tracks will cease to run on your computer. You will need to run the uninstall utility to remove Tracks and revert to standard Visual Cadd.

ACAD Solutions endeavours to remain flexible for clients at all times.If you wish to discuss our licensing structure or you have specific requirements, we are happy to work with you to establish an agreement. Please contact us if you need to negotiate an arrangement.