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HydroCAD^® Stormwater Modeling - Since 1986

Buying Hydrology & Hydraulics Software

Choosing between the many H & H programs on the market is not an easy task. And with a wide range of needs and expectations, this is definitely a situation where one size does not fit all.

We urge you to shop carefully and compare before you buy. We're interested in satisfied, long term customers (rather than quick sales), and this happens only if you buy the software that's right for you!

To help with your selection we offer detailed product information and even a free evaluation program that lets you try-before-you buy.

Although its impossible to keep up with all the H & H software on the market, we can offer some general guidelines to help you compare your options.

Initial Purchase Price

Superior Pricing

HydroCAD was the first to offer a sliding price scale based on the complexity of the drainage systems being modeled. This lets you purchase a complete system for $195 to $1595, with the ability to upgrade at any time for the difference in cost. (No upgrade penalty!)

The basic $195 system is one of the least expensive on the market, while providing capabilities that match or exceed programs selling for up to $5,000. Even our "average" $595 program is a bargain in comparison.

Flexible Software Licensing

HydroCAD provides the most advantageous "simultaneous user" licensing. This means you can install a single HydroCAD license on any number of computers in your office, as long as only one person is using the program at a time. (We even provide automatic license pooling to manage the shared use!) This provides a tremendous cost savings compared to buying a separate program for each computer or user.

Buying Multiple Systems

If several people need to use HydroCAD at the same time, you can purchase additional simultaneous users (for the same site) for just $395 each. So even if you bought one of our larger systems for $995, each additional user would be a flat $395 each.

Check the competition's licensing and pricing carefully. Many will require you to buy a separate copy for each computer or user, and will offer only a small discount on additional systems.

Ongoing Costs

Technical Support

All HydroCAD systems include 90-days of Deluxe Support at no extra charge. This includes unlimited telephone support and free software updates - including any major updates that may be released during that time!

After 90-days we offer extended Deluxe Support for as little at $240 per year. Again including all program updates at no extra charge.

Don't want to pay for support? That's fine. We offer free web and email support to all customers. Or you can purchase an annual telephone support contract (no time limit) for as little as $120 per year.

Software Updates

On average, we introduce a major update every two years, plus one or two minor updates in between. These are not bug fixes (we don't ship sloppy code in the first place) but improved software that offers new features as requested by our customers. (Beware of any vendor that offers, much less brags, about their frequent updates!)

Customers on Deluxe Support (see above) receive all updates (including major updates) at no charge. Others may purchase updates for $95-$195 each, depending on the type of update. If you have multiple systems at one site, the updates for each additional system are 50% off.

Ease of Use

Although direct software expenses typically receive the most attention, the biggest cost is the people who will use the software. HydroCAD is a powerful yet intuitive tool that can save you countless hours in comparison to many other products. And we back this up with comprehensive printed and electronic documentation, including detailed context-sensitive help for every function, screen, and report within the program.

Without a doubt, ease-of-use and the resulting cost savings is the primary reason that HydroCAD has been a leading hydrology solution since 1986.

System Maintenance

Another hidden cost is software installation and maintenance. HydroCAD provides a simple 60-second installation that requires no technical expertise, yet offers additional controls for system administrators. And HydroCAD makes no changes of any kind to sensitive operating system files or settings.

Fast, Efficient Software

HydroCAD takes less than 4MB of disk space when installed. It's a fully-compiled native 32-bit Windows application that gets optimum performance out of any PC with Windows 98 or later.

HydroCAD is written entirely in Delphi, one of the most powerful and stable development environments available. Beware of applications written in older FORTRAN or BASIC languages, which often generate bloated code and slower operation, and may involve intrusive installations with troublesome system modifications.

Reliable, Dedicated Vendor

Over 25 Years of Software Expertise

We pride ourselves on being professional software developers. Since 1977 we've been developing robust software for demanding technical applications. HydroCAD is not a sideline run by a civil engineering firm. It's our main endeavor, and it shows in the quality of our product and support. About Us.

Responsive Customer Support

Call us old fashioned, but our phones are still answered by live human beings, ready to provide prompt solutions to your needs and questions. We also respond to email inquiries at any time, and offer complete sales and support through our web site.

Knowledgeable People

We know our product inside out, so you'll get informed, accurate answers to all your questions, from "when did it ship?" to "how do I model my site?"

See what our customers have to say!

Read some of our customer comments and see links to customer web sites.