Frequently Asked Questions: Changing from Pointwise V18.6 to Fidelity Pointwise 2023.1

Since we acquired Pointwise, Inc, we've made some changes to the licensing and branding of the Fidelity Pointwise (formerly just "Pointwise") product. It's important to us that everyone understands what's been going on, so we're putting the megaphone in front of this FAQ to ensure everybody understands that the software you've come to rely on for high-quality CFD meshing is still the exact same tool you know and love, it's just gotten a new name and a new licensing system. In May 2022, we simultaneously released Pointwise V18.6R1 and Fidelity Pointwise 2022.1, the latter using the Cadence version numbering style. The two versions are identical, with one exception: the license manager. Fidelity Pointwise 2022.1 has moved to using the Cadence license management system (based on FlexNet), whereas Pointwise V18.6 uses the Reprise License Manager (RLM). End-of-sale for Pointwise V18.6 is December 23, 2023.

IMPORTANT: Feature equivalence between the two Pointwise code branches will cease with the release of Fidelity Pointwise 2023.1. The new features added to 2023.1 will NOT be added to V18.6, and henceforth, all new development will cease for Pointwise V18.6. Therefore, we need to work with you to migrate to the Fidelity Pointwise 2023 product.

This blog post answers frequently asked questions about that migration that will remove any confusion or misunderstanding between the two versions.

Do not hesitate to contact us at pw-support@cadence.com if you have any additional questions.  

What’s the difference between Pointwise V18.6 and Fidelity Pointwise?

There is no difference in the look, feel, or functionality between V18.6 and 2022.2. The only difference is the license manager. Pointwise V18.6 uses the Reprise License Manager (RLM), while Fidelity Pointwise uses a license manager based on FlexNet.

Do I have to update to Fidelity Pointwise?

We recommend that you do. Starting with the release of Fidelity Pointwise 2023.1, all new updates and features will be developed solely for Fidelity Pointwise. Pointwise V18.6 will no longer be available for purchase after 12/31/2023 and will no longer be supported after 12/31/2025. Working together, we can ensure a smooth update to the latest version so you can continue to take advantage of the latest meshing technology.

Can I run Pointwise V18.6 if I update to Fidelity Pointwise?

Because Fidelity Pointwise is using a Flex-based license manager, you will not be able to run Pointwise V18.6.

Is Fidelity Pointwise backwards compatible?

Absolutely! You can open Pointwise project files from any previous version of the software and continue where you left off.

Does Fidelity Pointwise look and function differently than Pointwise V18.6?

No. Fidelity Pointwise 2022.2 and Pointwise V18.6 are identical. The only difference is the license manager. Beginning with Fidelity Pointwise 2023.1, all major updates and new features will only be released for Fidelity Pointwise. These features will not be added to V18.6, so the newer versions will necessarily diverge.

Why do I need to update if there is no difference between Pointwise V18.6 and Fidelity Pointwise?

The end release date for Pointwise V18.6 is June 2023. Once Fidelity Pointwise 2023.1 is released, Pointwise V18.6 will no longer receive new features. Bug fixes will continue until the end of support, which will be at a date yet to be determined. All future feature development will be going into Fidelity Pointwise. We encourage you to update to Fidelity Pointwise to ensure you are leveraging our latest meshing technology.

What if I encounter a bug and need to use an older version?

If older versions are required to do your work, we are committed to providing them. If you encounter a bug, you should immediately contact your Pointwise support team as soon as possible and report the issue. Most issues are addressed in hot fixes and new versions. In addition, our applications engineers can work with you to identify temporary solutions so you can continue working on your project. This applies to both V18.6 and 2023.1. However, only highly critical bugs (fatal crashes with no workaround) will be fixed in V18.6 versions after Fidelity Pointwise 2023.1 is released. Without exception, non-critical bugs will be fixed only in Fidelity Pointwise versions with the FlexNet-based license manager after 2023.1.

Why do my meshes look slightly different from version to version?

You may see differences from version to version as we release new features or make algorithmic improvements to existing features. These differences occurred between older versions (e.g. V17 to V18) and are not a result of the change from the V18 branch to the 2023 branch. These differences are due to updated algorithms and not the license manager difference. Such improvements generally yield better results. Please contact us if you notice a difference that adversely impacts your simulations. 

What if my project requires that I use the same version of Pointwise and I cannot update?

Please let us know. We understand that certification efforts for products or certain programs desire, or in some cases, requires the same version of software be used. Contact us, and we can work together to ensure your Pointwise usage remains compliant with your requirements.

Will I need to have my IT team approve Fidelity Pointwise?

This will depend on your organization and their security procedures. That said, Pointwise V18.6 and Fidelity Pointwise are identical. The only difference is the license manager.

What do I do if it turns out that I cannot update after I already started the process?

Let us know. We will work with you to understand the situation and come up with a solution that works for you.

Who can help me if I have questions or problems with the transition to the Flex-based license manager used by Fidelity Pointwise?

When you have received your new license and are ready to update to Fidelity Pointwise, reach out to our technical support team at pw-support@cadence.com. They can arrange for a virtual meeting to review the new installation steps for the FlexNet-based license manager, answer your questions, and provide guidance to help you in your transition.  You can also reach out to them with any questions you have about Fidelity Pointwise.