What's the difference between FME Form and FME Flow?
FME Form is the core tool of the FME Platform. It is used to create scripts that integrate, process, and validate data. FME Flow, on the other hand, enables the automation of these processes and provides greater computational power. Scripts created in FME Form can be run directly within that environment or published to FME Flow, where they can be turned into automated processes or server applications.
To use FME Flow, you must have FME Form to build the scripts.
What formats does FME Platform support?
FME Integration Platform is renowned for its extensive support of over 450 data sources, including different formats, applications, databases, and BI systems.
FME is the best existing tool for handling spatial data, including vectors, rasters, 3D data, aerial photos, satellite imagery, and more. It’s equally effective in managing non-spatial data such as tables, spreadsheets, text files, and databases.
With each new version of FME, additional data formats and source systems are added. We recommend periodically checking the full list of supported data formats and sources for the latest updates and additions.
How can I purchase FME Platform?
Simply get in touch with us directly at fme@globema.com or use our contact form. As the exclusive Safe Software partner in Poland, we offer several advantages:
- Access to producer prices
- First-line support in Polish and English
- Invoicing options in EUR and PLN
- Expert consultation and assistance in selecting the best licenses to align with your business requirements
- Guidance and support during installation, setup, and script creation
- A comprehensive range of training options available in Polish and English
What licensing models are available for FME?
There are several licensing models for FME:
- Perpetual Licenses: A one-time purchase with an optional Maintenance & Support package.
- Subscriptions: Annual or monthly fee, including technical support and FME Platform updates.
- FME Flow Hosted: A cloud-based solution – no need for your own server infrastructure.
What types of FME licenses are available and what is their cost?
On May 1, 2023, Safe Software simplified the licensing model for perpetual licenses. The separate FME Desktop editions (Professional, ESRI, Database, Smallworld) were discontinued and replaced with a single version – FME Form, which includes all capabilities of the previously most advanced edition.
The FME pricing model was also simplified. There is now one fixed price for FME Form and one for FME Flow. Prices are calculated per each individual license deployment (e.g., every FME Form license, whether fixed or floating, or each FME Flow engine).
To receive the current pricing of FME Platform components, please contact us directly at fme@globema.com.
As an authorized Safe Software partner, Globema can provide FME licenses on preferential terms. Additionally, as our client, you will receive technical support in Polish or English. Contact us today!
What is the difference between FME Form fixed and floating licenses?
The difference lies only in how the license is used:
- Fixed FME Form is tied to a specific computer. The license can only be run on that designated machine.
- Floating is based on a network license installed on a license server and usable on multiple computers within an organization, but simultaneously only by as many users as purchased (concurrent users).
The cost of fixed and floating licenses is the same.
Which operating systems are supported by FME Platform?
You can install FME Form and FME Flow both on Windows and Linux systems, including distributions such as Ubuntu, Debian, Red Hat, and CentOS. Additionally, FME Form can be installed on macOS devices, and for those working with FME Flow, consider containerization options like Docker and Kubernetes.
It’s important to note that for Windows users, FME 2022.0 and newer versions are exclusively available in 64-bit editions. If you are using older 32-bit applications that require integration with FME, you can do so with FME 2021.2 and earlier versions. More details regarding these system requirements can be found in our article, Impactful change for FME users – the 32-bit version support is being terminated.
Can I test FME before purchasing?
Yes, we offer a 30-day trial version of both FME Form and FME Flow. The trial version of FME Form is available for Windows 64-bit. If you would like to test FME Form on Linux or macOS, please contact us. More information can be found here.
Vendor’s technical support (Annual Maintenance)
What does the vendor's technical support include?
Vendor technical support (AMC) provides:
- Software updates to the latest version as soon as they are released by Safe Software. You always benefit from the newest features and improvements without delay.
- The ability to add more FME Flow engines or additional users to FME Form floating licenses.
- Expert assistance from FME specialists in cases of system failures, installation or configuration issues, bugs, or backward compatibility problems.
Can I transfer technical support to Globema if I purchased my license from another partner?
Yes, you can transfer your technical support to Globema at any time. Contact us for more details.
What is the cost of renewing AMC?
The annual technical support cost is:
- 20% of the standard price for each license purchased before April 30, 2023.
- 25% of the standard price for licenses purchased after May 1, 2023 (according to the new licensing model).
Starting August 1, 2025, all licenses purchased before April 30, 2023 will be automatically upgraded to FME Form. Consequently, their technical support fees will be calculated according to the new pricing model (effective May 1, 2023).
I have several concurrent FME Form licenses and/or multiple FME Flow engines with different AMC expiration dates. Is it possible to align these periods so that I can renew everything in one order in the future?
Yes, absolutely. Aligning the technical support period is a standard procedure when you own multiple licenses under a single serial number (e.g., several concurrent FME Form licenses or multiple FME Flow engines). According to Safe Software’s policy, the alignment of the AMC period occurs at the next renewal and is usually adjusted based on the main license.
Can I purchase AMC for a period other than 1 year?
Safe Software has discontinued this option. AMC can only be renewed for 12 months. The only exception is when AMC periods need to be aligned for multiple concurrent FME Form licenses or several FME Flow engines provided under a single serial number.
What if I decide not to renew the Annual Maintenance before it expires?
Purchased FME Form and FME Flow licenses are perpetual. This means that after your AMC expires, you can still use the tools in your work, but you cannot install newer versions of FME or take advantage of new features and improvements. You will also lose access to technical support in case of failures, software configuration issues, or transformer malfunctions.
A good practice is to renew support regularly to avoid unnecessary costs and to ensure access to the latest resources.
What if I did not renew support for my licenses in the past, but now I want to renew it in order to access the full functionality of the FME Platform?
If your licenses’ technical support was not renewed before it expired and you now wish to renew it, please note that the support period will be calculated from the date of its previous expiration, not from the date you place the order.
If the gap in technical support exceeds 12 months, you will be required to pay a retroactive fee to restore continuous coverage.
After AMC expires for my licenses, can I transfer a license to another machine or computer?
Yes – your licenses are perpetual, so even after AMC expires, you may transfer them to another computer. However, please keep in mind:
- The license must not be blocked by the vendor (e.g., due to multiple activations or transfers).
- You must know the serial number of the license you want to transfer. Without valid AMC, neither Globema nor Safe Software will be able to reissue it.
- You can only use the version of FME that was current at the time AMC expired. Important: Safe Software provides access to archived installation files only for the last 3 years. Older versions should be archived locally in advance.
Subscription models
What is the subscription model and who can use it?
The subscription model allows companies and institutions from various sectors to enjoy unlimited use of FME Platform components (FME Form and FME Flow) under a single annual fee. Importantly, unlimited access to FME Form and FME Flow is valid only for the duration of the subscription contract (usually 1–2 years). After this period ends, access and usage rights to the FME licenses obtained under the subscription are revoked. However, if you renew your subscription contract for another term, your access continues seamlessly.
The most flexible option is the Enterprise Subscription, which adapts to the needs of any company or institution. The cost of the annual fee is determined individually, based on factors such as the number and value of currently owned licenses, those to be added within the subscription, and the duration of the negotiated subscription contract.
Additionally, Safe Software offers four industry-specific subscription models, tailored to:
- Local government and public administration
- Public safety
- Utilities
- Airports & aviation
- Universities and non-profit organizations
For these models, costs are more standardized and typically depend on the number of residents, customers served, passengers, or students.
What determines the subscription cost?
Primarily, the cost depends on the chosen subscription model. For industry-based models (such as utilities, airports, local governments, or universities), pricing starts at €15,000 per year, calculated based on:
- Number of residents – for local government and public safety subscriptions
- Annual passengers – for airport subscriptions
- Customers served – for utilities and telecommunications subscriptions
- Students – for educational subscriptions
For the Enterprise Subscription, the cost is determined individually. It depends on the number and value of currently owned licenses, the licenses to be added under the subscription, and the length of the negotiated subscription contract.
If you are interested in a subscription for your company and would like to know the detailed costs – please contact us! We’ll gladly answer your questions and prepare a tailored offer.
I would like to use the FME subscription licensing model, but my company does not fit into any of the dedicated models. Can I still subscribe?
Yes, that’s possible. Safe Software has created the Enterprise Subscription model, which can be adapted to the needs of any business. If you would like to learn more and receive an offer tailored to your requirements, please contact us. We will gladly answer your questions and propose the best solution.
What happens if, during my subscription contract, the number of people on which the subscription cost is based (residents, passengers, customers, or students) changes?
In such cases, the current contract remains unchanged. However, when renewing the subscription for the next period, the new cost will be recalculated based on the updated numbers.
I own perpetual FME licenses. What happens to them if I switch to the subscription model?
All your active licenses with valid AMC will be included in the subscription model, and their support will remain valid until the end of the subscription contract. This way, you do not incur additional costs related to AMC renewal.
Which FME Platform components are available under the subscription model? Are additional plug-ins included?
Within the subscription model, you can use FME Form, FME Flow, and CPU Time. However, additional paid plug-ins are not included in subscription models and must be purchased separately.
What's the difference between FME licenses purchased separately and the licenses purchased within the subscription models?
FME licenses purchased separately are considered perpetual licenses. This means that you have continuous access to FME for your data integration and processing needs. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that to stay current with the latest FME version and to benefit from ongoing updates and improvements, you must maintain a valid Annual Maintenance subscription.
On the other hand, licenses obtained within the subscription models are designed to expire unless you choose to renew the subscription contract for the next period. While your subscription is active, you enjoy full access to support and updates at no additional cost.
Training and services
What type of FME-related services do you offer?
As an authorized Safe Software partner, Globema offers:
- Sale of all FME Platform components, including the renewal of producer’s technical support.
- Organization and delivery of FME training, empowering your team with the knowledge and skills to harness the full potential of FME Form and FME Flow.
In addition to these core services, our experienced team also provides:
- Support during the installation and configuration of FME components.
- Support in executing data-related projects, including data acquisition, migration, processing, spatial data generalization, and system integration.
What type of FME training can I access?
Globema, as an authorized Safe Software partner, offers a wide range of FME training options to cater to diverse learning needs. Our certified experts conduct standard FME Form training on both Basic and Advanced levels. We also provide dedicated FME Flow training to enhance your automation capabilities. We organize custom training tailored to our participants’ needs.
Additionally, we offer a video course, FME Desktop Basic e-learning, which covers fundamental and advanced topics related to integrating, converting, transforming, and validating data using FME.
For a complete list of our training offerings, please refer to our Services -> FME Training.
What types of projects can you help me with?
Our team of FME specialists brings years of experience to the table, having successfully participated in numerous projects related to data acquisition, analysis, processing, and integration. We stand ready to assist you in creating and optimizing scripts for a wide range of purposes, including:
- Collecting, integrating, and processing data from diverse sources, such as GIS/CAD, raster, tabular data, databases, BI systems, and more.
- Conducting geospatial analyses, enabling you to identify potential expansion locations for your assets.
- Facilitating seamless integration between BI, IoT, FSM, ERP, CRM, and other critical systems.
- Streamlining process automation and enhancing operational efficiency.
- Ensuring data quality by validating information, detecting errors, and implementing fixes.
For a comprehensive overview of our service offerings, please visit our service page.