Nuvera License Frustration

[rpfprinting]

I’m not sure if others have experienced this, but I find Xerox’s approach to software licensing incredibly frustrating—especially when it comes to their high-end machines. I actually like the Nuvera system and how well it runs, but being locked into Xerox just to keep the machine functional feels like a poor business practice.


We’ve already purchased the hardware, yet unless we obtain a permanent license (often through a third party), the system is effectively bricked—just sitting there unused. It’s a terrible situation for consumers, and I’m relieved most other brands don’t take this route. Thankfully, there are some workarounds out there, but without them, we’d be stuck with an expensive piece of equipment that we can’t even use.

Has anyone else run into this issue with Xerox or other manufacturers? Would love to hear your thoughts or suggestions.

 

[ReproElectroProspero]

Who in your organization purchased the hardware and no license/service without understanding that Xerox does this?

This limitation is not unique to Xerox. Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP, and Canon all have similar higher-end machines with even basic functionality gated behind licensing.

 

[rpfprinting]

Who in your organization purchased the hardware and no license/service without understanding that Xerox does this?

This limitation is not unique to Xerox. Ricoh, Konica Minolta, HP, and Canon all have similar higher-end machines with even basic functionality gated behind licensing.

We have Konica machines, and we are free to bring them to other vendors for service with no lock-in to them. Xerox, on the other hand, make the machine completely unusable when you do not go through them, at least in Canada. Also owned Canon, Ricoh, and Minolta machines, and all can be used with any service vendor, so much so that we have used four since we bought them. I understand the need for service, but to brick the machine without the constant yearly license is a bit ridiculous. We have a machine that has a Fiery Rip, and despite having a bit of trouble finding parts, the license for the rip has not expired and will work for as long as the machine works.

I am not sure if this is how it works in other countries, but in Canada, as far as I know, only Xerox has this odd need.

 

[AP90]

Im not sure exactly how Xerox is “bricking” your machine. I know here in the US you can purchase a machine and as long as you have the necessary equipment to run it( I.e. RIP, finishing modules, etc) and you can run them until you can no longer fix them. Used machines are sold all the time in the US and I’ve never heard of anyone having a problem with licensing. I know it can be a pain if software fails and you don’t have backups or the original software CD’s but other than that I’ve never heard of anyone buying a “useless/bricked” machine.

 

[ReproElectroProspero]

We have Konica machines, and we are free to bring them to other vendors for service with no lock-in to them. Xerox, on the other hand, make the machine completely unusable when you do not go through them, at least in Canada. Also owned Canon, Ricoh, and Minolta machines, and all can be used with any service vendor, so much so that we have used four since we bought them. I understand the need for service, but to brick the machine without the constant yearly license is a bit ridiculous. We have a machine that has a Fiery Rip, and despite having a bit of trouble finding parts, the license for the rip has not expired and will work for as long as the machine works.

I am not sure if this is how it works in other countries, but in Canada, as far as I know, only Xerox has this odd need.

You are right that Xerox is the worst regarding this, since they bake the communication of the print engine so directly into Freeflow. I've heard similar reports though regarding the high end machines like the Indigo, bizhub, and imagepress specifically. Though now that I'm trying to back up my memory, it may be that they just gut functionality while allowing you to retain a bare minimum of printing capability.

Though I don't think Xerox is limiting your ability to get third party service. They're limiting your ability to utilize the software controller. Just so happens that unless you can figure out another way to control the print engine, you're boned.

Im not sure exactly how Xerox is “bricking” your machine. I know here in the US you can purchase a machine and as long as you have the necessary equipment to run it( I.e. RIP, finishing modules, etc) and you can run them until you can no longer fix them. Used machines are sold all the time in the US and I’ve never heard of anyone having a problem with licensing. I know it can be a pain if software fails and you don’t have backups or the original software CD’s but other than that I’ve never heard of anyone buying a “useless/bricked” machine.

Most people negotiate to get a permanent license at the end of their lease. They get no updates but it never expires. However if your license expires, freeflow won't allow you to do jack squat until you get it resolved. This happened to us accidentally a couple times while on a 5 year service contract lol

 

[azehnali]

the silence issue is on xerox freeflow and to get a permanent one the cost is minimal
also as long as you are on service with xerox its never an issue

 

[kslight]

A tale as old as time, with Xerox at least I remember this “feature” even on the docutech 6180s we had. The original docutech 135s did not have this, iirc. But never really a problem as long as you had a contract on it.

 

[Milo Wilson]

This isn't an issue. Feel free to contact me.

 

[ReproElectroProspero]

This isn't an issue. Feel free to contact me.

sudo nano license.txt ?