Ergosoft RIP – Frequently Asked Questions

Ergosoft RIP – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What do I purchase when buying Ergosoft RIP?

You purchase a perpetual license for Ergosoft RIP, including:

  • A full-featured software suite (JobComposer, QueueManager, RIP Engines, etc.)

  • One printer driver (Entry, Large, or XL)

  • One Entry cutter driver

  • One USB license container or PC-bound license

  • Complimentary Maintenance for the calendar year of purchase

2. Can I get a trial license?

Yes. Ergosoft offers time-limited trial licenses for evaluation. Reach out to us or your local reseller to request one that fits your testing needs.

3. Can I add drivers later?

Yes. You can add additional printer or cutter drivers at any time, as long as your license is under active Maintenance. Charges may apply depending on the type and level of the driver

4. What is the Ergosoft Maintenance Program?

The Maintenance Program gives you access to:

  • Two major annual updates (Spring & Winter)

  • New drivers and features

  • Personal support services

  • License transfers and add-on activation
    Maintenance is included for the year of purchase and can be extended annually

What does “active Maintenance” mean?
Your license is considered under active Maintenance if either:

  1. You purchased your license during the current calendar year, or
  2. You have renewed your Maintenance agreement for the current year.

You can check your Maintenance status using the steps shown in this video.

5. Can I exchange drivers after purchase?

No, licenses are fixed to the selected drivers. However, additional drivers can always be added later if your needs change. 

6. Why is a license container needed?

Ergosoft licenses are protected by either a hardware dongle (USB License Container) or a PC-bound license. These methods ensure that your license remains secure and cannot be misused or copied without authorization.

7. What’s the difference between a Hardware Dongle License and a PC-bound License?

Feature
Hardware Dongle License
PC-bound License
License Type
USB device
Software license tied to one PC
Delivery
Shipped physically
Sent by email, activated instantly
Portability
Can be moved between PCs
Fixed to one computer

Recommendation:
  • PC-bound licenses are ideal for users who want fast, lower-cost deployment on a fixed system.

  • Hardware dongles are preferred when frequent hardware changes, offline usage, or portability is needed

8. What happens if I lose my dongle?

If your hardware dongle is lost or stolen, a replacement is not possible. A new license must be purchased.

9. Can I replace or transfer a license if my system changes or fails?

Yes, as long as your license is under active Maintenance:

  • PC-bound License:

    • If the original PC is still accessible: Provide your License Ticket or invoice number for transfer.

    • If the original PC is not accessible: Submit a self-declaration confirming it's no longer functional.

  • Hardware Dongle License:

    • If the dongle is damaged: A replacement dongle must be available on-site before transfer.

    • A temporary PC-bound fallback license can be issued during shipping.

Without active Maintenance, a service fee applies for transfers.

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