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Five reasons why small businesses should consider token-based licensing for electronic system design tools

The licensing landscape for small businesses

Navigating the complexities of electronic system design tools can be daunting for small businesses, especially when faced with rigid, traditional licensing models that impose high costs and limited flexibility. In today’s fast-paced design world, growing businesses are increasingly in need of solutions that are both cost-effective and adaptable. That is why the Xpedition product family has introduced token-based add-on licensing; a tailored approach designed to maximize efficiency and savings, catering specifically to the dynamic needs of small businesses. 

Reason 1: Cost efficiency and flexibility

Token-based licensing empowers businesses to pay only for the capabilities they need, precisely when they need them. This model not only reduces upfront costs but also provides scalability that aligns with budget constraints. Imagine a scenario where a startup optimizes its expenditures by selecting only the most essential design features initially, reserving more sophisticated tools for future growth without data translation or disjointed workflows. 

Reason 2: Access to advanced capabilities

Small businesses can now leverage high-end PCB design tools without committing to long-term financial obligations. This opens the door to experimenting with advanced features that enhance design quality, enabling competition with larger enterprises. Consider accessing crucial simulation tools during a critical phase of its project, drastically improving outcomes without the weight of hefty contractual commitments. 

Reason 3: Enhanced productivity and workflow integration

Token-based licensing supports seamless integration across various design stages, streamlining processes, reducing manual transitions, and accelerating time-to-market. Studies show that companies implementing an integrated design workflow resulted in significant productivity boosts, demonstrating the tangible benefits of this cohesive approach.

“The tools themselves are a very important aspect of what we do here. It may be that a lesser tool could be employed but the time scales involved in that would just be horrific. We need the fastest most efficient tools that we can have to get our very complex designs to market on time. We get that from the Siemens tools.”

Rob Savage, PCB Engineering Manager, Abaco Systems

Reason 4: Reduced risk with scalable solutions

Flexible licensing models allow businesses to scale their tool usage in line with growth, avoiding the financial strain associated with over-investment. For example, a growing business dynamically adjusts its PCB design toolset as new projects arise, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently without compromising financial stability. 

Reason 5: Support and upgrades without hassle

Opting for token-based licensing comes with easy access to support and regular software updates. This keeps technology current and minimizes downtime, as demonstrated by businesses facing minimal disruption through flexible upgrade pathways. When every hour counts, streamlined support is invaluable. 

Embracing a new licensing paradigm for scalable integration

Adopting token-based licensing for electronic systems design tools offers small businesses unmatched flexibility, significant cost savings, and competitive advantages. It has never been easier for small business owners to explore these options to enhance their design capabilities and drive innovation. 

Xpedition technology: Explore right-sized solutions for every design team

Integration benefits are accessible across scales, allowing solutions to grow as needs evolve: 

Entry-Level Integration: PADS Pro Essentials 

For individual engineers and small teams, PADS Pro Essentials offers sophisticated PCB design capabilities minus excessive costs. Key features include: 

  • Integrated workflows that minimize translation inefficiencies. 
  • Inbuilt error detection early in the process. 
  • Native connectivity to prevent selection issues. 
  • User-friendly interface reduces learning curve. 

Mid-Market Integration: Xpedition Standard 

For growing teams, Xpedition Standard optimizes cost-efficiency with robust features: 

  • Collaborative tools across design domains. 
  • Extensive verification across electrical and physical domains. 
  • Real-time supply chain alerts provide timely insights. 
  • Flexible performance supports dynamic, complex designs. 

Enterprise Integration: Xpedition Enterprise 

For intricate, multi-domain systems, Xpedition Enterprise connects the digital lifecycle, enhancing productivity through: 

  • Multi-board and systemic design functions. 
  • Integrated simulations and analyses. 
  • Wide-scale collaboration and data management solutions. 
  • Thorough verification and manufacturing readiness protocols. 

The token-based token licensing model provides flexible, cost-effective access to advanced tools as required, optimizing ROI by aligning tool availability with project demands. Learn more about the Xpedition product family. 

David Haboud
Senior Audience Marketing Manager

David Haboud bridges hardware complexity and software clarity as a Sr. Audience Manager with over a decade in EDA. Drawing from his electrical engineering background and aerospace firmware experience, David transforms technical capabilities into compelling narratives through strategic persona identification and customer segmentation. At Siemens, he specializes in connecting technical solutions with business outcomes through methodical analysis and creative communication that resonates with both engineers and business leaders. David developed his expertise at the University of Southern California with a focus on computer architecture and hardware/software integration before starting his career developing firmware and data acquisition systems for auxiliary power units. When not creating impactful product messaging through webinars, videos, and global training initiatives, he hosts improvisational and stand-up comedy shows throughout San Diego—skills that enhance his ability to engage audiences and communicate with clarity and impact.

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This article first appeared on the Siemens Digital Industries Software blog at https://blogs.sw.siemens.com/electronic-systems-design/2025/06/20/five-reasons-why-small-businesses-should-consider-token-based-licensing-for-electronic-system-design-tools/