ITIS Getting Started: Account, Keys, & First Software Use (2026)

Getting started overview

The IT'IS Foundation (ITIS) provides advanced computational tools and experimental platforms primarily for electromagnetic (EM) and acoustic simulation, particularly within biomedical applications. Unlike services that offer direct RESTful APIs for programmatic access, ITIS's core products, such as Sim4Life and SEMCAD X, are scientific software applications designed for desktop or server-based installation and operation. Therefore, getting started with ITIS involves obtaining a software license, installing the relevant application, and then configuring it for specific simulation tasks. The process focuses on setting up a local or networked simulation environment rather than integrating via API keys.

The typical workflow for new users:

1. Contact ITIS: Initiate contact with ITIS to discuss specific simulation needs and licensing options.
2. Licensing Agreement: Finalize a licensing agreement for the required software product(s).
3. Software Acquisition: Receive the software installer and necessary license files.
4. Installation: Install the software on designated hardware.
5. License Activation: Activate the software using the provided license keys or files.
6. First Simulation: Load an example project or begin a new simulation within the installed software environment.

This page guides through these steps, focusing on a generalized approach given the custom nature of ITIS engagements. For detailed, product-specific instructions, referring to the official ITIS documentation is essential.

Create an account and get keys

Access to ITIS software platforms typically begins with a direct engagement with their sales or support team, rather than a self-service sign-up portal for API keys. ITIS primarily offers enterprise-grade scientific software, where licensing is handled on a custom basis. Therefore, the process for 'creating an account' and 'getting keys' is integrated into the commercial and technical onboarding process.

Steps to acquire software and licensing:

1. Initial Contact: Navigate to the ITIS contact page to reach out to their team. This initial contact is crucial for discussing specific project requirements, potential software solutions (e.g., Sim4Life for advanced EM simulation, SEMCAD X for near-field analysis), and obtaining a quotation.
2. Consultation: ITIS representatives may engage in a consultation to understand the user's research, development, or compliance needs, ensuring the appropriate software solution is recommended. This also helps in tailoring the licensing agreement.
3. License Agreement: Once a suitable product is identified and pricing is agreed upon (ITIS operates on a custom enterprise pricing model), a formal license agreement is established. This agreement specifies the terms of use, duration, and scope of the software license.
4. Software and License Delivery: Following the completion of the licensing agreement, ITIS will provide the necessary software installers and specific license files or keys. These are proprietary identifiers that authenticate the software against the user's license. The form of these 'keys' can vary, from physical dongles to software-based license files or network license server configurations.

It is important to note that these 'keys' are not API keys in the traditional sense, but rather software licensing mechanisms that enable the functionality of the installed desktop or server applications. For detailed instructions on managing licenses, users should consult the SEMCAD X installation and licensing guide or corresponding documentation for other ITIS products.

Your first request

Executing a 'first request' with ITIS software translates to running your first simulation or analysis within the installed application. This section provides a generalized approach, as specific steps will vary significantly by product (Sim4Life, SEMCAD X, etc.) and the nature of the simulation (e.g., specific absorption rate (SAR) analysis, antenna design, medical implant safety).

Prerequisites:

• ITIS software (e.g., Sim4Life, SEMCAD X) successfully installed.
• Software license activated and recognized by the application.
• Familiarity with the software's user interface and basic functionalities, ideally through tutorials or documentation.

General Steps for a First Simulation (Example with a typical EM simulator):

1. Launch the Software: Open the installed ITIS application (e.g., Sim4Life).
2. Load an Example Project: Most complex simulation software includes example projects to help new users understand workflows. Navigate to 'File' > 'Open Example' or a similar menu option. Select a basic EM simulation example, such as a simple antenna radiating in free space or a phantom exposure scenario.
3. Review Project Setup: Examine the components of the example project:
   • Geometry: Observe the simulated objects (e.g., antenna structure, human body model/phantom).
   • Material Properties: Understand how materials like conductors, dielectrics, and biological tissues are defined.
   • Sources: Identify the electromagnetic sources (e.g., port excitation, plane wave).
   • Monitors/Sensors: Locate where the simulation results (e.g., electric field, SAR, temperature) will be recorded.
   • Simulation Settings: Check frequency range, meshing parameters, and solver settings.
4. Run the Simulation: Locate the 'Run Simulation' or 'Start Solver' button, typically found in a toolbar or dedicated menu. Click to initiate the computation. The software will process the simulation, often displaying progress and estimated completion time.
5. Analyze Results: Once the simulation is complete, explore the results. This might involve:
   • Visualizing field distributions (e.g., E-field, H-field) in 2D or 3D views.
   • Plotting quantitative data (e.g., S-parameters, SAR values over time or volume).
   • Generating reports or exporting data for further analysis.

For specific guidance on running a first simulation, refer to the Sim4Life official tutorials or the user manuals provided with your license.

Common next steps

After successfully running a first simulation, users typically proceed with more complex tasks to leverage the full capabilities of ITIS software. These steps often involve deepening expertise in specific simulation types and integrating the software into ongoing research or development workflows:

1. Advanced Tutorial Completion: Progress through more advanced tutorials provided by ITIS. These often cover specific applications like medical implant safety assessment, EM dosimetry, or wireless device compliance.
2. Custom Model Development: Begin creating custom geometries and simulation setups relevant to specific research or product development. This involves using the software's CAD tools, importing external CAD files, and defining complex material properties.
3. Parameter Sweeps and Optimization: Explore features for performing parametric studies, where design variables are systematically changed to observe their impact on simulation results, and optimization routines to achieve desired performance criteria.
4. High-Performance Computing (HPC) Integration: For large-scale or time-intensive simulations, configure the software to utilize HPC resources, such as local clusters or cloud platforms. This may involve understanding distributed computing options, which are also relevant for cloud-based simulation platforms (see Google Cloud's HPC solutions documentation for general context on cloud HPC).
5. Scripting and Automation: Many advanced simulation platforms offer scripting interfaces (e.g., Python APIs) for automating repetitive tasks, setting up complex simulation workflows, or integrating with other tools. Consult the specific software's documentation for its scripting capabilities.
6. Validation and Verification: Compare simulation results with experimental measurements or established benchmarks to validate model accuracy and ensure the reliability of the computational methods. This is a critical step in regulatory compliance and research.
7. Data Management and Collaboration: Implement strategies for managing simulation data, version control, and collaborating with team members, especially in multi-user environments.
8. Community and Support Engagement: Participate in user forums, attend webinars, or engage directly with ITIS support to troubleshoot issues, share best practices, and stay updated on new features.

Each of these steps builds upon the foundational understanding gained from initial software use and contributes to a more proficient and efficient application of ITIS's specialized simulation tools.

Troubleshooting the first call

Troubleshooting issues when running your first simulation with ITIS software might involve addressing licensing problems, installation errors, or simulation setup mistakes. Unlike API calls, where network connectivity or incorrect authentication are common culprits, software-based simulations often encounter issues related to system resources, software configuration, or model integrity.

Common Troubleshooting Steps:

By systematically working through these steps, users can often identify and resolve common hurdles encountered during their initial use of ITIS simulation software.