Avoid Using Unlicensed Versions of ETAP

According to the Global Software Survey done by The Software Alliance (BSA), the commercial value of unlicensed software (software that was acquired without purchasing it) worldwide is at USD 46.3 billion, while 37% of software installed is unlicensed. Engineers who illegally download software and content online use the same excuses: the price for the original software is too high, downloading an unlicensed version is so much easier.

Is it all worth it?

Engineers using unlicensed software for both professional and personal use assume that the most considerable risk comes from viruses. Still, it can expose not only yourself but your company too. Here’s a quick breakdown with actual examples of situations you might find yourself in if you use unlicensed software.

If you have used or are planning to use an unlicensed version of ETAP power systems analysis software, you should take corrective and best course of action after reading this. If you have used or are planning to use an unlicensed version of ETAP power systems analysis software, you should take corrective and best course of action after reading this.

It is worth noting that in the end, many users, due to the following points, switch to a licensed version for their peace of mind.

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It’s Illegal

Using an unlicensed version of ETAP or any other hacked program entails legal liability. Several years ago, the United States and several other countries introduced laws aimed at protecting copyright and fighting the distribution of illegal applications. You may face a fine of several thousand dollars for their installation or even be imprisoned for three years and more. Save your company the trouble and make sure the entire company only uses genuine software for work purposes, including yourself.
No Updates
Software without a valid license does not give you an upgrade path. Software upgrades are essential in our profession.
1. The power engineering industry is constantly evolving with new algorithms, techniques, engineering devices, and more. ETAP continually improves its existing features and capabilities, adding new analysis capabilities and adding engineering devices into the libraries.
2. Our end-users are constantly upgrading to the newer versions, and to offer engineering services, you need to keep up with the latest versions.
Constant Lags, Errors & Analysis Inaccuracies

When downloading unlicensed software, you never really know where it originated. This means you never really know whether it’s malfunctioning or not. When the integrity of the ETAP code is damaged (which it invariably is) in an unlicensed version, the program works unstably and has constant crashes because of a system malfunction or operates slowly even on the best computer for CAD software. Also, you may have problems saving the finished project in the correct format and quality, not to mention inaccurate results.
Viruses & Malware Are Just the Start

According to the Digital Citizens Alliance, internet users are 28 times more likely to get malware when using pirated software. The name “pirate” itself is a warning bell because many programs come with backdoors built in that let the “bad actors” responsible for the unlicensed program to compromise the security of your computer and company networks.
Unlicensed versions of ETAP often contain different types of viruses. Some of them display ads in the browser or the application itself and overload the system. Others may steal information about your credit card, social networks, and other confidential information.
They may also contain ransomware trojans that may render your company network vulnerable and result in professional embarrassment or worse. Ransomware is a form of malware that locks your computer system up until you pay a ransom fee.
No debate about licensed or genuine vs. unlicensed software is complete without mentioning the operating system that holds most computers together. Think about it, once your operating system is compromised; everything is compromised. It’s wise for you to say no and skip unlicensed software altogether.
No Technical Support

Since an unlicensed version of ETAP is not an official release, you won’t have access to support from our professional engineering & development team. Therefore, in case of problems with software, you may have to deal with them on your own.
Tracking

ETAP constantly tracks unlicensed software versions and periodically publishes unlicensed serial numbers for our end customers to ensure that they do not accept reports generated by unlicensed versions. Submitting a professional ETAP report using an unlicensed version of the software can result in termination of your company contract and professional embarrassment.
You’re Hurting The Industry, And That’s Just Going To Hurt You

Many people pretend that using and distributing unlicensed versions of ETAP is more innocent than physically robbing a store, but it isn’t right. ETAP suffers.
Here’s a scenario for you — imagine if ETAP software is illegally downloaded for free by a high number of users, we have to spend thousands of additional development and testing hours to implement safeguards.
And this extra cost to prevent the creation of unlicensed software and cover losses is borne by the entire electrical engineering industry, including you.
Legal Alternatives to Unlicensed Versions of ETAP

Here are different variants of perpetual licenses & their main advantages. https://etap.com/licensing-options
Request a licensed version of ETAP today and enjoy the benefits of using the latest version of ETAP, our best-in-class technical support, and access tens of thousands of latest engineering device libraries in our awarding winning nuclear grade software.

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