Some of your Questions:

Q. Why should I teach an OO product?

You have probably heard of the “new” object-oriented simulation and wondered if that is something you should be using and teaching. Is this worth the change? Does this make simulation more valuable to my students in their careers? The answer to all these questions is Yes.
While the basic concept of object-oriented simulation is not new, the products offering it have become steadily better over the years. But most object-oriented simulation products still require high expertise; in order to take full advantage of objects you have to be an experienced programmer in C++ or Java. Until now. Simio has patent-pending technology that allows full object definition and enhancements to be done graphically in process logic, dramatically lowering the expertise required to exploit the full capabilities of objects.
The process orientation of Simio makes it easy to teach foundational principles of simulation, while the use of the Standard Library of objects makes it easy to teach the benefits of simulation to students less interested in the technology than its effective use. The ability to create objects and libraries meets the more intense simulation needs of typical graduates and research applications.

Q. How does Simio’s state-of-the-art compare to its competitors?

Simio is best of breed. Simio was designed and implemented by the same people who designed and implemented Arena (a market-leading product), but by taking full advantage of an extra 20 years of experience, user feedback, and advances in technology, we have made dramatic innovations. Simio is designed from the ground up using advanced 3D technology that is included at no extra charge. Simio is implemented using the latest .NET technology assuring a solid foundation for years to come. Simio has patented technology that allows full object definition and enhancements to be done graphically in process logic, dramatically lowering the expertise required to exploit the full capabilities of objects. Simio is a leader in digital twin technology and the only product that supports comprehensive modeling for design improvements as well as supporting digital twin creation IN THE SAME MODEL USING THE SAME TOOL. And you can use the software in your classroom!

Q. How much do universities have to pay for software?

There is no upfront or annual fee. The automatic grant program assures that institutions that teach and promote Simio can get a guaranteed 100% grant for the full cost of the software. For example the software to equip a fifty user lab will automatically result in a grant of approximately $120,000 US. Some institutions like to publish a joint press release acknowledging the grant so that they can be recognized for progressive action and forming industry partnerships. While in most cases Simio Academic software has no limits, software provided under grants may have model size limits in some countries/regions. Upgrades to unlimited software may be available.

Q. How does software renewal work?

The software is provided with a nominal two-year activation with free renewals so that you can be assured of always teaching the current version of Simio. During these two years you are encouraged to update to the latest software release at any time. And faculty members have access to technical support. It is anticipated that license renewals and software updates would be done at least annually.

Q. How does a "grant" differ from "free" software?

Our free training/evaluation software is designed to support only light-duty training needs. It prevents the saving of models large enough to solve most real problems and so is not appropriate for most academic classes.
Our grant provides a two-year license to use the equivalent of our commercial Design Edition software plus the OptQuest add-on. The value of this 2 year license is $2400 per seat, but in exchange for a commitment to publicize the grant and your use of Simio for educational purposes we provide a grant to your institution to offset the cost of the software.

Q. Is technical support available? At what cost?

Support via an on-line user group is available 24x7. You can also register support incidents and questions either via email or our toll-free number. Standard technical support is available to faculty at no charge. Limited support is also extended to graduate students at no charge. Undergraduate students may access the on-line forums and blogs, but are not eligible for live or email support.

Q. Can students get free support as well?

Graduate students are eligible for limited support at no charge. Undergraduate students may access the on-line forums and blog but are not eligible for live or email support.

Q. Are grants available to help me teach simulation?

Yes. An automatic grant for the full cost of the software is awarded to any institution who agrees to teach Simio and publicly acknowledge the grant. Software provided under grants may have model size limits in some countries/regions. Upgrades to unlimited software may be available.

Q. What do I have to do to get a grant from Simio to teach simulation?

Apply on-line here. You must agree to acknowledge the grant on a public portion of your class or department web site including a link to Simio. Some institutions like to publish a joint press release acknowledging the grant so that they can be recognized for progressive action and forming industry partnerships.

Q. I am a professor; how do I make software available to students?

If you have not already done so, see instructions above to apply for a grant to equip your labs for students. In addition, if your students want personal copies, use your registered email to send a request to academic@simio.com with the class# and estimated number of students and we will send you the information required to allow students to obtain and activate the Simio Student Version. Student activations can also be provided in bulk on request when an institution wants to provide personal software for students.

Q. I am a student taking a simulation class; how can I get software?

If your professor has already requested Simio Academic Version, then you can use software at no charge in your university labs. If you also want a personal copy for home use, you can ask your professor to provide a link where you can buy Simio Student Version for $25 (this is equivalent to the commercial Simio Design Edition for one full year). See above for instructions to professors.

Q. I am a student not taking a simulation class; how can I get software?

If your institution already has Simio Academic Version, then you can use software at no charge in your university labs. If you want a personal copy for home use, you must ask a professor to sponsor you. See above for instructions to professors.

Q. Is there help for me to get started?

Yes. We have many ways to help you get started including training materials, instructor’s notes, printable reference material, instructional videos, sample models, formal classes, and more. See Simio Academic Resources

Q. How much do students have to pay for software?

Students may use the Academic Version installed in institution labs and classrooms at no charge. Students currently enrolled in a registered simulation course may optionally purchase full capability Student Edition software for use on their personal (non-university) computers. The cost is $25 US for a 12-month license that is functionally equivalent to Simio Design Edition. Instructors who enroll their calls in the Simio student competition can provide free Student Edition software for their class for the duration of the competition.

Q. What limitations are in the student version?

Many student versions are crippled software that only permit very small models and limited functionality. Students often spend more time fighting model limitations than learning simulation. Simio Academic Version and Simio Student Version have full functionality and the model size limits permit very large projects. (If those limits prevent you from completing a project, you may contact us to request an unlimited version.) The main limitation is legal/moral – you are not permitted to use it for commercial use because you would be competing with consultants who paid full price for their software.

Q. How do you define non-commercial use?

We understand that student projects often involve commercial systems. As long as the project is done as a requirement of a for-credit class, then it is typically considered to be a valid use of academic software.

Q. If a project benefits a commercial company are there additional requirements?

Yes. A brief case study suitable for publication (minimum of a project title and a paragraph each describing objectives and results) must be supplied to Simio when the results are delivered to the commercial customer. No proprietary information need be disclosed. It is desired but not required that the company name be disclosed.

Q. If a graduate does a thesis involving a company is that commercial?

A brief case study suitable for publication (minimum of a project title and a paragraph each describing objectives and results) must be supplied to Simio when the results are delivered to the commercial customer. No proprietary information need be disclosed. It is desired but not required that the company name be disclosed. Simio must be acknowledged in the thesis. An e-copy of the thesis is appreciated, but not required.

Q. If a professor does funded research involving a company is that commercial?

Academic software can be used by current students and faculty for commercial projects that are billed through the academic institution including standard institution overhead. A brief case study suitable for publication (minimum of a project title and a paragraph each describing objectives and results) must be supplied to Simio when the results are delivered to the commercial customer. No proprietary information need be disclosed. It is desired but not required that the company name be disclosed.

Q. I don’t plan to teach Simio, but I would like to use it in non-commercial academic research; how much will it cost?

You can apply for a grant just as though you were teaching, but instead tick the box for Non-commercial Research and specify only the number of copies needed for that research.

Q. How many copies of Simio should I order for teaching?

Order enough to supply all the classrooms and labs where students might work on simulation projects as well as copies for any professors or graduate students involved in simulation.

Q. Can I get software updates?

Yes, you and students are entitled to software updates at no charge as they become available. We encourage you to update your systems to every major release (typically twice per year).

Because Simio follows an agile development process, you do not have to wait for the next major release - new features and patches are available as frequently as monthly. If you are in an environment using lab software installed by IT, you will probably want to stabilize on the software that is available a few weeks before the start of each semester. But if you are in a more flexible environment (like research or capstone projects) you and your students can take advantage of the latest Simio features as soon as they become available.

Q. Do you have teaching materials?

Yes. Simio LLC makes available presentation slides with instructor's notes, printable reference material, instructional videos, sample models, and more. See the Simio Academic Resources for more details. In addition, the Simio textbooks offer materials tailored to the use of each textbook. See Publications for more details.

Q. Do you have a textbook available?

Yes, several books are available in printed or e-book form and in multiple languages. See Publications for more details.

Q. My company often teaches classes; do we qualify for academic software?

Probably not. Many commercial organizations such as service companies and hospitals also have an academic component that offers training or teaching. An organization will be considered to be commercial unless formal education is the primary service delivered or prior written authorization from Simio LLC is provided. However, the free Evaluation/Training Version is designed to support short commercial classes - this may well meet your training needs.

Q. I work for a non-profit institution; do we qualify for academic software?

While Simio LLC strongly supports charitable causes, this is not an appropriate use of Academic Software. But we are happy to work with you in other ways to help meet your modeling needs within a limited budget.

Q. Who is eligible to use academic or student software?

Only currently enrolled students and currently employed professors/staff are authorized to use academic or student software.

Q. How do you define a commercial project?

We understand that student projects often involve commercial systems. As long as the project is done as a requirement of a for-credit class, then it is typically considered to be a valid use of academic software. And projects done by students and professors that are billed directly through the university (including standard university overhead rates) are generally considered valid use of academic software.
Models may not be shared between academic and commercial versions of Simio. If you wish to develop a model for use by a commercial entity, then you should use a commercial version of Simio or make prior arrangements with Simio.
For borderline or questionable projects contact Simio for a predetermination.

Q. Can secondary education (high schools) use simulation too?

Pre-college students can also be successful with the software. Integrating simulation into a secondary school curriculum can increase interest in math, science, design, technology, and all aspects of computers. Simio can provide a significant contribution to STEM initiatives.
Simio’s easy to use library makes it easy for students. Simio’s built-in link to Google 3D Warehouse is a particular attraction to students because they can do some really fun 3D animations. The numerous available videos can facilitate faculty learning and/or be used to enhance self-studies.
The 100% grant program will still apply, but generally approval will be preceded by a discussion of course objectives and integration. We can even attempt to connect you with local college personnel who may be interested in supporting you in your simulation class.

Q. Still more questions?

If any parts of our academic program are not clear, please email us or contact us toll free at 1-877-297-4646.