Does Tekla Tedds and Tekla Structural Designer server licensing work with Microsoft DirectAccess (MDA)?

Tekla Structural Designer
Tekla Tedds
Tekla Tedds for Word
Not version-specific
Tekla Tedds Tekla Tedds for Word
Not version-specific
Tekla Structural Designer
Microsoft Direct Access
DirectAccess
DA
MDA
remote access

Question

I am connected to our network via Microsoft DirectAccess (MDA) and am trying to use a server license for Tekla Tedds / Tekla Structural Designer, but I get a licensing error unable to contact license server.  Does Tekla Tedds and Tekla Structural Designer server licensing work with MDA?

Answer

No - Thales (formerly SafeNet and Gemalto) state that Sentinel RMS - the 3rd party licensing system used by the Tekla Structural License Service - is not compatible with Microsoft Direct Access. Therefore, when using a server license, Tekla Tedds, Tekla Structural Designer and legacy CSC products will not work over a DirectAccess connection.

Are there any workarounds?

Yes:

  1. Connect to the local area network. This issue will only affect client computers when they are connected to the corporate network via the internet using DirectAccess.
  2. Commute a license before working remotely.
  3. Use VPN to access the network remotely (for advice the related articles below)

What is Microsoft Direct Access (MDA)?

Microsoft DirectAccess is a technology built into Microsoft Windows Server and Client editions since Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. It allows internet connectivity to organizational network resources without the need for traditional virtual private network (VPN) connections.

Why might Microsoft Direct Access be used?

It allows client computers to access a company’s network resources when the client computer is connected to the network via the internet i.e. the computer is not directly on the corporate network. It will therefore typically be used for mobile, remote or home working. It is a technology which once deployed is easier to use than a traditional Virtual Private Network (VPN) because the connection is established automatically, the end user doesn't have to manually open a VPN connection.

Which Tekla products are affected?

  • Tekla Tedds
  • Tekla Structural Designer
  • Legacy CSC products

Is Tekla Structures affected?

No. Tekla Structures is not affected because it uses a different licensing technology Flexera, which works with MDA.

Is Microsoft DirectAccess only used on IPv6 networks?

No - Although when first included in Windows Sever 2008 R2 and Windows 7 an IPv6 network was a requirement subsequent releases of Windows have enhanced the technology allowing it to work over IPv4 networks (although the DirectAccess server must use an IPv6 address).

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