Secure Licensing Fuels Global Expansion for Plant Design Software
Strategic Partnership Drives International Growth
Wibu-Systems, a recognized leader in software protection technology, is enabling Japanese software developer PlantStream Inc. to secure its advanced 3D CAD platform and accelerate worldwide market penetration. The implementation of CodeMeter technology provides robust intellectual property protection while streamlining global license management for distributed engineering teams.
Revolutionizing Plant Design Efficiency
Established in 2020 as a joint venture between Arent Inc. and Chiyoda Corporation, PlantStream now operates as a full subsidiary of Arent. The company’s innovative 3D CAD system transforms plant design workflows with automated pipe routing capabilities that process approximately 1,000 pipes per minute. This remarkable efficiency reduces feasibility and engineering design phases by up to 75%, attracting significant interest from oil and gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries seeking enhanced collaboration tools.
Addressing Global Licensing Challenges
PlantStream’s international expansion presented complex licensing obstacles. The company needed to prevent unauthorized software use while accommodating diverse client IT requirements. Many organizations resisted traditional on-premises license servers, while others required reliable offline functionality due to limited internet connectivity.
Comprehensive Security Implementation
The CodeMeter solution provided multiple layers of protection and flexibility. AxProtector .NET encrypts the C# application against reverse engineering attempts. A hybrid licensing approach combines cloud-based activation through CmCloud with file-based CmActLicense for offline scenarios. Automated reporting systems deliver valuable usage analytics, while ERP and CRM integration simplifies renewal processes and revenue management.
Client Perspective: Enhanced Business Operations
Kazuhisa Horita, Customer Success Manager at PlantStream, explained: “Our 3D CAD software generated substantial interest among designers worldwide. CodeMeter’s cloud licensing enabled us to monitor feature usage during customer evaluations. This visibility allowed us to extend demonstrations, provide additional seats, and optimize our sales process effectively. Future plans include implementing cloud caching to maintain offline accessibility.”
Technology Provider Insight
Tadashi Shiraki, Country Manager at WIBU-SYSTEMS K.K., emphasized the strategic importance of flexible licensing: “We immediately recognized PlantStream’s disruptive potential and their need for a secure, adaptable licensing framework. By combining strong protection with hybrid licensing options, we ensured their confident global expansion while safeguarding valuable intellectual property.”
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
From my analysis in industrial software protection, this case demonstrates how adaptable licensing strategies enable technology companies to overcome international distribution barriers. The combination of robust security and flexible deployment options represents a growing trend in industrial software, particularly for applications requiring both online collaboration and offline functionality. As engineering software becomes more specialized, protection and licensing frameworks must evolve to support complex use cases across regulated industries.
Market Position and Strategic Advantage
This successful collaboration strengthens PlantStream’s competitive position in plant engineering software while reinforcing Wibu-Systems’ leadership in industrial software protection. The implementation showcases how tailored licensing solutions can support rapid global expansion without compromising security or user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific industries benefit from PlantStream’s software?
The solution particularly serves oil and gas, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors where complex plant design requires efficient 3D modeling and collaboration tools.
How does the hybrid licensing model work?
It combines cloud-based activation for instant access with file-based licensing for offline scenarios, accommodating diverse IT environments and connectivity requirements.
What performance advantages does the software offer?
The system processes approximately 1,000 pipes per minute and accelerates engineering design phases by up to 75% through automated routing capabilities.
How does the protection prevent unauthorized use?
AxProtector .NET encrypts the application against reverse engineering, while the licensing system controls access through secure activation and monitoring.
What business benefits does the licensing system provide?
Beyond protection, it offers usage analytics for sales optimization, automated renewal processes, and flexible deployment options for global customers.
About Wibu-Systems
Wibu-Systems provides advanced cybersecurity and software license management solutions worldwide. The company’s award-winning, patented technologies protect intellectual property in digital assets while enhancing revenue opportunities for software publishers and device manufacturers. The comprehensive CodeMeter suite offers protection against piracy, reverse engineering, and cyberattacks across multiple platforms and industries.
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