Functional Scope and Licensing Rules of the SIMATIC PCS 7 Software Media Package 6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8

Functional Scope and Licensing Rules of the SIMATIC PCS 7 Software Media Package 6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8

The Siemens order number 6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8 designates the SIMATIC PCS 7 Software Media Package (SMP) for PCS 7 V9.0 SP2/SP3. This package consists strictly of physical distribution media (a 5-DVD storage set containing installation binaries for Engineering, OS Server, OS Client, WebNavigator, and optional packages) and does NOT contain any permanent software licenses. The only license entitlement included on the media is a restricted 14-day Trial License designed for software evaluation without warranty. To operate PCS 7 in production, valid permanent Floating Licenses (such as Engineering, AS RT, OS RT PO, and Redundancy licenses) must be purchased separately. Final license requirements and order numbers must be confirmed with an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Procuring Siemens industrial automation software requires navigating precise commercial definitions that distinguish between software installation media (the physical data carriers) and legal software licenses (the cryptographic entitlement keys managed by Automation License Manager). When ordering components for SIMATIC PCS 7 V9.0 installations or service pack updates, engineering teams frequently encounter the order number 6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8, described in catalogs as 'SIMATIC PCS 7, software, Software Media Package V9.0 SP2 Data storage medium without license.'

A common procurement error occurs when project stakeholders assume that purchasing this media package supplies the necessary operational licenses to run an Engineering Station or Operator Station. In reality, 6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8 delivers physical installation media containing binaries for the operating system environment (Windows 7 / Windows 10 LTSC / Windows Server 2016) along with a temporary 14-day Trial License. This guide details the functional scope of the Software Media Package, explains how trial licensing functions during installation, outlines the separate licensing packages required for permanent operation, and provides essential commercial verification rules.

Architecture and Fundamental Mechanics

The Siemens software delivery framework separates media distribution from license entitlement:
1. Software Media Package (SMP) Mechanics:
* Order number 6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8 delivers a physical boxed set containing 5 DVDs.
* The media set provides complete installation images for the PCS 7 system platform, including: STEP 7, CFC, SFC, WinCC, BATCH, Route Control, SIMATIC NET, Information Server, and WebNavigator.
* When customers purchase a new primary PCS 7 Engineering Station license package, Siemens typically includes one Software Media Package per purchase order free of charge. However, the media package can also be ordered independently as a standalone spare part (e.g., for updating existing V9.0 installations to SP2/SP3 or replacing damaged DVDs).
2. The 14-Day Trial License:
* The PCS 7 frame setup includes a built-in evaluation license known as the Trial License.
* If the software is installed on a computer where Automation License Manager (ALM) detects no permanent floating licenses, the installer provides the option to activate the 14-day Trial License.
* Under trial mode, all engineering and runtime tools function with full operational capability for exactly 14 calendar days from initial activation.
* The trial license is legally and technically restricted: it carries zero liability or warranty from Siemens, displays periodic evaluation reminders, and permanently disables runtime execution on Day 15 unless a permanent license key is transferred.
3. Independent Runtime and Engineering Licenses:
* Operating PCS 7 permanently requires dedicated, legally binding Floating License keys transferred via ALM from USB license sticks or retrieved via Online Software Delivery (OSD).
* These include separate order numbers for: PCS 7 Engineering V9.0, AS RT PO volume packs, OS RT PO server packages, WinCC Redundancy, and communication options (SIMATIC NET S7-REDCONNECT).

Step-by-Step Implementation Procedure

Step 1: Identify Media Delivery Format vs. License Delivery Format

  1. Review your project procurement schedule.
  2. Note the distinction between:
    * Software Media Package (6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8): Physical 5-DVD media set containing raw installation binaries without operational licenses.
    * License Certificates / Keys: Electronic or physical license keys (e.g., delivered on a dedicated USB flash drive or via Siemens Online Software Delivery - OSD).
  3. Confirm whether your organization has acquired valid permanent licenses or if you are conducting a temporary proof-of-concept evaluation.

Step 2: Install PCS 7 from the Software Media Package

  1. Ensure the host computer meets the hardware and operating system requirements specified in the PCS 7 V9.0 SP2 Readme (Windows 7 SP1 Ultimate/Enterprise 64-bit, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2015/2016 64-bit, or Windows Server 2012 R2/2016 64-bit).
  2. Insert DVD 1 of the 6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8 media package into the optical drive.
  3. Execute Setup.exe with administrative rights.
  4. Select the target installation profile (e.g., 'Engineering Station', 'OS Server', or 'OS Client').
  5. Follow the setup wizard prompts to install Microsoft SQL Server, WinCC, STEP 7, and PCS 7 system libraries across the 5 DVDs.

Step 3: Activate the 14-Day Trial License (Evaluation Mode)

  1. If performing an initial evaluation without permanent licenses, select the 'Trial License' option when prompted by the setup wizard.
  2. Complete the installation and reboot the workstation.
  3. Note the activation date: the 14-day evaluation clock begins running immediately.

Step 4: Transfer Permanent Licenses via Automation License Manager

  1. Prior to the expiration of the 14-day trial period, connect your official Siemens USB license drive or launch Automation License Manager (ALM).
  2. If licenses were purchased via OSD, log into the Siemens OSD web portal within ALM (Web License Key Transfer) and download your keys to local drive C:.
  3. If using a USB license drive, drag the floating license keys from the USB drive to drive C:.
  4. Verify that the license keys show status 'OK' with license type 'Floating'.

Step 5: Validate Commercial Order Schedule with Siemens Distributor

  1. Prior to finalizing procurement, prepare an equipment list detailing all required engineering seats, controller quantities, and runtime operator stations.
  2. Submit the license and media schedule to an authorized Siemens distributor or configure the items directly in the Siemens Industry Mall to verify part number validity and current software delivery releases.

Verification

  1. Launch Automation License Manager (ALM) on the installed computer.
  2. In the navigation tree, select local drive C:.
  3. If running under trial mode: verify that Trial License SIMATIC PCS 7 appears with the remaining days countdown displayed.
  4. If permanent licenses were transferred: confirm that SIMATIC PCS 7 Engineering V9.0, AS RT PO, and OS RT PO appear with status 'OK' and license validity 'Unlimited'.
  5. Launch SIMATIC Manager: verify that projects can be opened, compiled, and saved without missing license warning dialogs.
  6. In WinCC Explorer, activate WinCC Runtime: confirm that no 'Demo Mode' banner appears across process pictures.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

  1. 6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8 cannot be used to legally operate production process equipment beyond the 14-day evaluation window.
  2. The 14-day Trial License cannot be reset, reloaded, or extended on the same operating system installation once expired; reinstallation of the operating system is required if evaluation is restarted without a permanent license.
  3. Hardware capacity planning, equipment lists, and software entitlements must be verified prior to procurement. Final license quantities and order numbers must be confirmed with an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.
  4. Software media packages do not include printed product documentation; system manuals are delivered electronically as PDF files on the DVD media.

Engineer FAQ

Does 6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8 include a permanent engineering license?

No. It is strictly a Software Media Package (data storage medium) containing installation DVDs. It includes only a temporary 14-day Trial License. Permanent floating licenses must be ordered separately.

Why would someone buy 6ES7658-4XX58-0YT8 if it has no permanent license?

It is ordered by customers who already own floating licenses via Online Software Delivery (OSD) and require physical DVD media for offline air-gapped installations, or to update existing V9.0 installations to Service Pack 2/3.

What happens when the 14-day trial license expires?

The software will cease normal operation. WinCC Runtime will drop into Demo Mode (shutting down after several hours), and SIMATIC Manager will display license deficit warnings and block critical engineering functions.

Is the trial license legally valid for commissioning a real plant?

No. The trial license agreement explicitly states that it is provided 'without liability and warranty' strictly for testing and evaluation purposes. Commercial plant commissioning requires permanent licenses.

Where can I find the official order numbers for permanent PCS 7 licenses?

Official part numbers (MLFBs) are cataloged in the Siemens ST PCS 7 Catalog and can be verified through an authorized Siemens distributor or the Siemens Industry Mall.

Technical References

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Related Tags

  • Software Media Package
  • PCS 7 V9.0
  • Trial License
  • ALM
  • Commercial Accuracy
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