1. Siemens Mechanical Design (SMD)

Siemens Mechanical Design (SMD) is a unique software package introduced by Siemens, combining the powerful Siemens NX and the renowned Solid Edge with synchronous technology. This allows users to harness the strengths of both leading mechanical design platforms for efficient product development.

Developed under Siemens PLM Software, both NX and Solid Edge share the same Parasolid Kernel—a core modeling engine developed by Siemens. This enables seamless data sharing and eliminates conversion risks, ensuring consistency in design and data management.

With CAD Direct, Solid Edge users can directly open and edit native NX files, and vice versa. This removes the need for intermediate file conversion and preserves design quality between platforms.

SMD offers the flexibility to choose between NX and Solid Edge based on specific design tasks at any time. It also features a dynamic licensing model, helping businesses maximize ROI by optimizing software usage.

With a single SMD license, businesses can choose between 1 x NX Mach 1 Design (NX Design Standard) license or 3 x Solid Edge Classic licenses, allowing either one user on NX or three users on Solid Edge simultaneously.

Note: SMD is only available via subscription (1–3 years), not perpetual licensing.

NX Mach 1 Design (NX Design Standard) & Solid Edge Classic Functionalities in SMD

2. Value-Based Licensing (Token Licensing)

Overview: Value-Based Licensing (also known as Token Licensing) allows customers to access multiple add-on features across NX CAD, NX CAM, Solid Edge, and Simcenter using a flexible token-based system. Rather than purchasing specific modules, users spend tokens according to the functionality they need.

How it works: 
Token licenses are available via annual subscription (1–3 years) and apply only to add-on modules. They attach to existing base licenses (perpetual or subscription) for NX CAD/CAM, Solid Edge, or Simcenter.

Benefits:

• Flexibility to access various add-ons without buying individual licenses.
• Scale token usage annually based on budget and needs.
• Supports budget planning and feature customization.

Notes:

• Minimum purchase: 100 tokens (NX, Simcenter) or 50 tokens (Solid Edge).
• Tokens are software-specific and not interchangeable between NX, Simcenter, or Solid Edge.
• Token licensing is subscription-only (1–3 years).

NX CAD/CAM, Solid Edge, and Simcenter License Structures

NX CAD Base Licenses:

• Siemens Mechanical Design (SMD)
• NX Design Standard / Advanced / Premium (NX Mach 1/2/3 Product Design))
• NX Design for Industrial Design (NX Mach 3 Industrial Design)
• NX Design for Mold Design (NX Mach 3 Mold Design)
• NX Design for Progressive Die Design (NX Mach 3 Progressive Die Design)

NX CAD Add-ons:

• NX Design Value-Based Licensing (50 or 100 tokens)

NX CAM Base Bundles:

• 2.5 Axis Milling
• 3 Axis Milling
• Turning
• Mill-Turn
• 4 Axis Milling
• Advanced 5 Axis
• Total Machining

NX CAM Add-ons:

• NX MFG Value-Based Licensing (50 or 100 tokens)

Solid Edge Base Licenses:

• SMD
• Solid Edge Foundation / Classic / Premium
• Solid Edge X Standard / Advanced / Premium

Solid Edge Add-ons:

• 25 or 50 tokens for Value-Based Licensing

Simcenter 3D Base Licenses:

• Engineering Desktop
• Structures

Simcenter 3D Add-ons:

• 50 or 100 tokens for Value-Based Licensing

All add-on functions NX CAD (Design), NX CAM (Manufacturing), Solid Edge, Simcenter 3D (for Simulation):

Value Based Licensing – How it works?

3. Hybrid SaaS Licensing (XaaS)

Hybrid SaaS is a modern subscription-based licensing model that combines cloud apps and services, enabling seamless access, data sharing, and collaboration via Siemens Digital Industries Software’s ecosystem.

Xcelerator Share – The Core of XaaS

Xcelerator Share is the core cloud platform for XaaS licensing, offering:

• Easy file sharing and project collaboration
• View and annotate 2D/3D designs without conversion
• Centralized document management within a single project
• Design updates are synchronized in real-time
• Purchase teams can view BOMs and add specifications
• Managers can review 3D designs without installing CAD

Xcelerator Share Reduces Risk and Increases Workflow Efficiency by Eliminating Manual Collaboration Gaps

Key Benefits:

•  Seamless collaboration and data sharing with external partners or clients
    ➤ Effortlessly upload design concepts from NX & Solid Edge to Xcelerator Share
    ➤ Clients can easily visualize 2D and 3D designs for review and annotations
    ➤ No need for intermediate CAD file conversion
    ➤ All related documents are stored within a single unified project

•  Streamlined collaboration across internal departments (design, manufacturing engineering, procurement)
    ➤ Design changes are automatically synchronized in real-time
    ➤ Purchasing teams can view intuitive and detailed BOM (Bill of Materials)
    ➤ Suppliers can upload specifications for outsourced components directly to the BOM
    ➤ Managers can review 3D designs visually without needing to install CAD software

Cloud Storage

• First-time XaaS customers get 500GB of free storage
• Additional 5GB per base or add-on license

Cloud Named User Access

• Floating License: 5 member accounts per license
• Named/Node-Locked License: 1 member account per license
• Add-ons: no additional user accounts

User Roles:

• Admin: Manages users and permissions.
• Member: Can manage and share projects.
• Guest: Limited access to specific projects for viewing/commenting.

Max of 10 users per project (members or guests). Unlimited guest accounts.

Key Advantages of XaaS Licensing (1–3 years)

• Lower cost: Annual rental costs just ¼–⅓ of a perpetual license.
• Scalability: Easily scale license quantity up or down yearly.
• Flexible accounting: Rental licenses can be expensed annually.
• Always up to date: Includes upgrades and maintenance.
• Free access to Xcelerator Share, Cloud Storage, and Cloud Users

Supported XaaS Software:

• NX
• Solid Edge
• Femap
• Simcenter 3D
• Simcenter Amesim 1D
• Teamcenter
• Tecnomatix

XaaS Purchase Conditions:

• Available as subscription only (1–3 years)
• Minimum term: 1 year
• Payment: 100% upfront or annual installments (for 2–3 year terms)
• Version policy: Only the latest version is supported (2021 onward)
• Customers using perpetual licenses with active maintenance can switch to XaaS

4. Conclusion

By combining next-gen Siemens software like SMD with flexible licensing models like Value-Based Licensing and XaaS, businesses can maximize software utilization while optimizing investment.

Example:

A company using a combination of SMD + Token Licensing + XaaS gains unmatched flexibility, functionality, and ROI.

Get Free Consultation, Trial & Demo for Siemens software:
Email: sales@di-software.vn
Hotline: 0904.524.597
Website: www.di-software.vn