Exciting News: A Smarter SmartSDR Licensing Model

Mike-VA3MW

FlexRadio is evolving the way we deliver innovation to your radio.

We’re introducing SmartSDR+ (SSDR+),  a new annual subscription model (ASM) for SmartSDR. This change is designed to keep you at the forefront of SmartSDR technology with more frequent updates, more powerful features, and a streamlined support experience, all while preserving the core values FlexRadio customers expect.

Why the Change?

For 14 years, we’ve offered SmartSDR updates through an occasional “major version” model. But in all that time, we only released two paid upgrades. This left many of you without a clear, consistent path to receive new features, and made planning and maintaining software more challenging than it needed to be.

What’s New?

Starting with SmartSDR version 4.0, ALL radios will now come with a SmartSDR Basic license at no charge.  This means all current radio owners can upgrade to version 4.0, when available, and have access to all bug fixes in that release and subsequent releases.   All new radios that ship will also come with the latest software load and our SmartSDR Basic license.

Starting with SSDR v4.0, we will be offering a subscription service for SmartSDR.  With this version of SmartSDR and subsequent releases:
- You’ll only need to subscribe if you want new features and improvements.
- Bug fixes remain free.  We’ll keep your software stable regardless of subscription status.
- Licensing is simplified. One current release. One licensing model. Less hassle.

We’re making this change so we can consistently invest more resources in new features, better performance, and your overall FlexRadio experience.

What You’ll See

If you're not subscribed, you can still install the latest SmartSDR (v4.x), but new features will be grayed out or inactive. You’ll get bug fixes, but not feature unlocks. A tooltip or link will help you subscribe if and when you're ready.

If you do subscribe, you’ll immediately unlock all features released up to and during your active subscription. 

Quick Q&A

1. Q: Do I need a subscription to use my radio?

A: No. ALL customers can upgrade to SmartSDR v4.0 without a subscription.  But here is what you need to know:

If your current version is v3.x, then you are current in our feature set.  When you load SSDR version 4.0, you will have access to any bug fixes in the release.  In order to gain access to the new features in v4.0, you will need to subscribe to SmartSDR+ or SmartSDR+ Early Access.

If your current version is v2.x and you upgrade to v4.0, you will not have access to multiFlex™ (same as today) without a subscription.

If your current version is v1, and you upgrade to v4.0, you will not gain multiFlex™ or SmartLink™ (same as today) without a subscription.

Note:  we encourage all customers to migrate to SSDR v4.0 as we will be discontinuing support for SSDR v1 and SSDR v2.

2. Q: What does the annual SmartSDR+ subscription get me?

A: Access to all new and prior SmartSDR features and enhancements released while your subscription is active (and any that were added since your last active subscription).

3. Q: Are bug fixes included without a subscription?

A: Yes. We believe in delivering stable software to all customers at no additional cost.

4. Q: Will older radios still receive bug fixes?

A: Where practical, yes.  But over time, radios that are no longer manufactured or models for which hardware has been declared end-of-life (EOL), may no longer receive updates.

5. Q: What happens if my subscription ends?

A: You retain all features that were released during your active SmartSDR+ subscription period. New features will require a SmartSDR+ subscription renewal.

6. Q: Is this like Adobe or Microsoft, where I lose access without paying?

A: No.  Absolutely not.  You never lose access to your radio or the features you already have.

7. Q: How much does it cost?

A: FlexRadio will offer two levels of its subscription service.  SmartSDR+ will be offered at $199 annually (subject to change), or you can subscribe to our SmartSDR+ Early Access version for $299/yr, giving you an advanced preview of what’s to come and the ability to provide feedback to our software team.

Please note: Subscribers to SmartSDR+ Early Access will be able to use new features in the release at least 30 days prior to SmartSDR+ subscribers.  Early Access subscribers will have the ability, via a web-based form, to provide suggestions, bug reports, and other comments on the release to our engineering team.  At least once a month our engineering team will review this input and where fit, use the information to improve our releases, provide new enhancements, etc.   Feedback to the operator will only be provided if we have further questions in regards to your input.

8. Q: How do I subscribe?

A: Starting with version 4.0, you'll see a link inside SmartSDR that will allow you to choose your software subscription options.

9.  Q: How does the radio acquire a SmartSDR+ subscription license after it has been purchased?  Do I have to download something from the FlexRadio website?

A: Your radio will need to have access to the Internet to validate the SmartSDR+ subscription using the FlexRadio license server.  It’s automatic.  Also note that the M model radios and Maestro also require Internet access to download the latest software and firmware.  Radios that are directly connected to a PC or Maestro using a single Ethernet cable do not have access to the Internet, even if the PC or Maestro has Internet access.

So, in summary:

1. With the introduction of SmartSDR 4.0, FlexRadio is moving to an annual subscription model.
2. ALL customers can upgrade to a SmartSDR v4.0 Basic License and receive all bug fixes in that release and subsequent releases.  BUG FIXES ARE ALWAYS FREE.
3. New features require a subscription to either SmartSDR+ or SmartSDR+ Early Access.   If you subscribe and receive new features, those features are yours permanently—even if your subscription later ends.
   
   

We're excited to bring you a smarter, more sustainable path forward for SmartSDR.  One that keeps you in control and helps us keep delivering the innovation you expect from FlexRadio. 

— Steve Hicks, CTO and

The entire FlexRadio Team