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Glenda_SAI
Glenda_SAI8-Gravel
8-Gravel
Sep 25, 2026 12:28 PM UTC
Question

Difference between Web and Client versions of Pure Variants

Good Day!

I am attempting to assist a customer in deciding which version of Pure Variants they may wish to implement. I admittedly am still learning about Pure Variants, and seem to be tripping slightly.


What is the difference between Desktop Client and Web Client? Is there a link or table I can use to help them out?

    3 replies

    RH_10905828
    RH_109058286-Contributor
    6-Contributor
    Sep 28, 2026 1:35 PM UTC

    Hello Glenda, 


    the Eclipse-based Desktop Client has the longest history. It targets product line engineers, power users that are responsible for building and maintaining feature models. Transformations of engineering assets that are stored locally or reside in other tools that come with a rich client require the Desktop Client. The same is true for custom reports which can be set up in the Desktop Client via BIRT reporting.


    With the Web Client we provide an additional interface for other roles that occasionally configure variants or want to access Pure Variants data to find answers to questions related to dependencies, existing variants and how they are configured. Typical examples are Requirements Engineers, System Architects, Developers, etc. that are mainly working in other tools.

    Both clients can be used in combination, they can both operate on the same data held in a Pure Variants Model Server. Only the Desktop Client supports file-based Pure Variants projects as an alternative to storing them on a Model Server.

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    MM_58784676-Contributor
    6-Contributor
    Oct 30, 2026 8:01 PM UTC

    I’d also suggest looking into what tools they want to use Pure Variants with, a few things to consider:

    • I don’t think the PV web client works with desktop thick clients like DOORS Classic.
    • For web-based tools like Codebeamer, you’ll want to make sure the authentication methods between PV web client is compatible with the tools you are interfacing with.
    • License consumption for the PV Web Client is different than desktop client.
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      RH_10905828
      RH_109058286-Contributor
      6-Contributor
      Nov 6, 2026 8:19 AM UTC

      Valid points and I want to add some more details to help with the decision.
      While the Pure Variants Web Client can be used for feature modeling and variant configuration in combination with Connectors for thick client tools, the Desktop Client will still be required to run transformations (generate 100% engineering assets).


      The Web Client supports transformations for Codebeamer, DOORS Next and Polarion which all do not come with a thick client. Instead of making use of the user’s license for transformations, these transformations run on server-side if triggered via the Web Client and consume a separate license. The intention is to have 1..n transformation runners that work run transformations of all users in parallel in the background. So the users are not blocked from actively using the Web Client while the transformations are running.


      Details on the supported authentication methods can be found in the Connector documentation (supported authentication methods) and in the Pure Variants Setup Guide (how to set them up).

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