Purchase Or Evaluate
The ANSWER-TIMES and ANSWER-MARKAL software is commercial software. Prior to making a decision to purchase, it is possible to obtain a free 60-day evaluation version of the software.
However the ANSWER software does not exist in isolation. The ANSWER software is specialized software specifically developed for working with the TIMES and MARKAL model generators developed by IEA-ETSAP (see www.iea-etsap.org/web/tools.asp) and two other software components are required:
- The source code for the TIMES (or MARKAL) model generator that is written in the GAMS modelling language, and where ETSAP holds the intellectual property rights. The model generator source code is free, but first a Letter of Agreement acknowledging ETSAP’s intellectual property rights must be executed. See below.
- The GAMS modelling language software and a suitable GAMS-compatible solver. The GAMS (General Algebraic Modeling System) software is commercial software owned by GAMS Development Corporation, Washington D.C.
Also, if you are interested in purchasing or evaluating ANSWER-TIMES, it is recommended that you also acquire the VEDA-BE results handling software owned by KanORS Inc, India.
To receive Pricing Information prior to possible Purchase of ANSWER-TIMES or ANSWER-MARKAL
1. Contact Dr. Ken Noble (ken@noblesoft.com.au) indicating:
- Your name and institutional details;
- Whether your interest is in ANSWER-TIMES or ANSWER-MARKAL;
- Whether your interest is in a Single PC License, or a Small/Medium/Large Group License (allowing you to run on up to 5/10/20 PCs respectively at your institution);
- Whether your institution will need to purchase GAMS (plus solver) or already has a License for GAMS (and solver). If your institution already has a License for GAMS, please provide the GAMS DC# found in the last line of the gamslice.txt file.
2. Ken will reply with pricing information for ANSWER-TIMES (and VEDA-BE) or ANSWER-MARKAL and for GAMS (plus solver) including liaising with Mr. Gary Goldstein (DecisionWare.NY@gmail.com) as necessary in regard to the pricing for GAMS.
3. Before proceeding to purchase, you must register and execute an ETSAP Letter of Agreement (LoA) acknowledging ETSAP’s intellectual property rights in the TIMES and MARKAL model generators. For details of how to do this see the To Register and Execute an ETSAP Letter of Agreement section below.
To receive a free 60-day Evaluation Version of ANSWER-TIMES or ANSWER-MARKAL
You must register and execute an ETSAP Letter of Agreement (LoA) acknowledging ETSAP’s intellectual property rights in the TIMES and MARKAL model generators, and indicate that you wish to receive an ANSWER-TIMES or ANSWER-MARKAL evaluation system. For details of how to do this see the To Register and Execute an ETSAP Letter of Agreement section below.
To Register and Execute an ETSAP Letter of Agreement
As noted above, to purchase the ANSWER-TIMES or ANSWER-MARKAL software, or to obtain a free 60-day evaluation version, you must register and execute an ETSAP Letter of Agreement acknowledging ETSAP’s intellectual property rights in the TIMES and MARKAL model generators.
To do this go to the ETSAP website (www.iea-etsap.org) and select “Tools, Acquiring ETSAP Tools” and follow the instructions that are displayed on the ETSAP Registration Form.
After you Submit the ETSAP Registration form…
1. The form will be forwarded electronically to the ETSAP Operating Agent and also to Noble-Soft Systems (the owner of the ANSWER software), to KanORS Inc (the owner of the VEDA software), and to DecisionWare Inc (who have a special arrangement with GAMS Development Corporation in respect of GAMS for TIMES and MARKAL).
2. Usually within a few days, the ETSAP Operating Agent will send you an email with attached countersigned copy of the ETSAP Letter of Agreement (cc’ing Noble-Soft Systems, KanORS Inc and DecisionWare Inc).
- When you completed the registration form, if you indicated that you wished to purchase ANSWER-TIMES + VEDA-BE and GAMS (with CPLEX solver), then subsequent to the ETSAP Operating Agent’s email you will receive:
- An email from Noble-Soft Systems advising the purchase price for ANSWER-TIMES and offering to provide a formal quotation or invoice.
- A similar email from KanORS Inc advising the purchase price for VEDA-BE.
- A similar email from DecisionWare Inc advising the purchase price for GAMS (with CPLEX solver).
- When you completed the registration form, if you instead indicated that you wished to receive an evaluation license for ANSWER-TIMES + VEDA-BE and GAMS (with CPLEX solver), then subsequent to the ETSAP Operating Agent’s email you will receive emails from Noble-Soft Systems, KanORS Inc and DecisionWare Inc telling you how to download evaluation ANSWER-TIMES, VEDA-BE and GAMS (with CPLEX solver) systems respectively.