In January 2023, Graphisoft began offering a cloud licensing option for Graphisoft products in addition to the original hardware and software key accessibility. The new cloud licensing technology introduces some changes to BIMcloud SaaS regarding user, license, and project management.
This article answers the most common questions related to this process.
What’s happening during the relinking?
During the relinking process, your legacy BIMcloud SaaS switches from software key-based licensing to cloud licensing. Your domain and all your data - including Teamwork projects, libraries, files, user permissions, and settings - remain intact. Only the licensing method behind your BIMcloud SaaS changes.
What kind of preparation is needed prior to the relinking?
The new cloud licensing technology introduces changes to BIMcloud SaaS in the areas of user, license, and project management. With cloud licensing, user and license management no longer happens directly within BIMcloud SaaS; instead, it is managed through your Graphisoft ID Company. Additionally, cloud license-based BIMcloud SaaS supports Teamwork Projects starting from Archicad 22.
To ensure that all your existing BIMcloud users and projects remain available after switching to cloud licensing, a few preparation steps are required:
Every BIMcloud user you want to keep must be connected to a unique Graphisoft ID.
Every Graphisoft ID user you want to retain in BIMcloud SaaS must be a member of your Graphisoft ID Company.
Teamwork Projects created in Archicad 21 or earlier should either be archived or upgraded to at least Archicad 22 before switching your BIMcloud SaaS to cloud licensing.
Before starting the relinking, please ask all your colleagues to leave all Teamwork Projects and close every Archicad instance to ensure a smooth transition.
The Relink BIMcloud SaaS wizard will guide you through all the necessary preparation steps for your legacy BIMcloud SaaS. You can also review the preparation steps in detail in this article: How to prepare your existing BIMcloud SaaS for cloud licensing?
How long does the relinking take?
The relinking process typically takes up to 20 minutes to complete. During this time, your BIMcloud SaaS will be unavailable. Once the process is finished, the Graphisoft ID Company Administrator and Contract Manager will receive an email notification.
Can I postpone the relinking?
Yes. You can begin preparing your BIMcloud SaaS and choose to postpone either the preparation or the actual relinking until a more convenient time. The wizard allows you to resume the process later whenever you are ready.
However, once the relinking process has started, it cannot be canceled.
Will I have downtime during the relinking?
Yes, the downtime can be up to 20 minutes. During the relinking process, your BIMcloud SaaS will be temporarily unavailable, and users will not be able to access it from Archicad or through the web interface.
What happens to my BIMcloud SaaS data after the relinking?
Nothing. All data - including Teamwork projects, libraries, files, user roles, and permissions - will remain unchanged. The only modification is the licensing method, which switches from key-based to cloud-based.
What happens if the relinking fails?
If the relinking process fails, your legacy BIMcloud SaaS will remain active with its current key-based licenses, and you can continue to use it as before. Graphisoft will be notified of the incomplete relinking attempt immediately and will work to resolve the issue. Once the problem is fixed, you will receive an email notification and can restart the relinking process. If you have any questions, please contact the Graphisoft Support team for assistance.
Will I be notified at the end of the relinking?
Yes. The Graphisoft ID Company Administrator and Contract Manager will receive an email notification when the relinking process is completed. Once you receive the confirmation, your BIMcloud SaaS will be running with cloud licenses.
I still have questions. Who can help me?
If you have additional questions or encounter issues during the process, please contact the Graphisoft Support team for assistance.