Software is a computer program that performs various functions, ranging from simple to complex tasks. Software can be acquired in different ways, such as by purchasing, leasing or downloading for free. Regardless of how it is acquired, every software comes with a user license.
Software licenses are an essential part of today’s technological ecosystem, playing a crucial role in protecting copyrights and establishing guidelines for the proper use of programs. They determine the conditions of use, including specific restrictions and permissions, such as installing, copying, modifying, distributing etc. For example, a license may stipulate that:
- The software can only be installed on a limited number of devices;
- Reverse engineering is prohibited;
- The source code cannot be modified.
Software licenses also play an important role in preventing violations and piracy. By determining the conditions of use, licenses establish a clear legal basis for using the software. This discourages unauthorized distribution and sharing and illegal copying. The strict enforcement of license agreements helps create a fairer and more sustainable environment for the companies that own the software, encouraging ongoing product innovation and improvement.
There are several types of software licenses, but in this post we will focus on two: the named license and the floating license – both available when contracting SoftExpert Suite.
Named license
A named software license (also known as a single, or user license) is a license that is granted to a specific user and data such as user name, email address and other identifiers are associated with the license.
With this type of license, an active user receives permission to use the software individually and exclusively; that is, it is not possible to associate more than one active user with the same license. If the user is deactivated (e.g., change of position, leaves the company etc.) the license becomes available again and can be associated with another user. In cases of expansion of staff, more named licenses must be acquired for each additional user.
Example: if a company acquires 50 named licenses for SoftExpert Suite, it can register 50 active users and everyone will be able to use the system at the same time.
This kind of license is commonly used with business or proprietary software – software licensed with exclusive rights for the producer. The named license guarantees exclusive use for a specific user and offers an additional layer of protection for the software developer’s copyright, preventing the improper sharing of the software or violation of the terms of use.
Floating license (concurrent)
A floating license (also known as a concurrent license) allows a specified number of un-named users to access the system simultaneously; that is, the license is shared. The number of concurrent users is monitored and the system is only accessible while licenses are available, as long as the number of concurrent users does not exceed the number of licenses purchased.
Example: if a company acquires 50 floating licenses for SoftExpert Suite, it can register unlimited users, but only 50 will be able to use the system at the same time.
Floating licenses are especially useful in work environments where multiple users need to access software intermittently or concurrently. For example, in a company with a floating license for SoftExpert Suite, several employees can use the program on their respective computers, alternating access as needed. This promotes efficiency and resource sharing, ensuring that the tool is used cost-effectively and optimally.
Named license vs. Floating license: which one is better for you?
The choice between a named or floating license comes down to the needs and budget of the user or company. The named license limits the use of the software to one named person. A floating license allows for the shared use of the software by several people, but is limited to the number of users at any given moment. To choose the most suitable license for your needs, you should consider the following:
- The number of people who will use the software;
- Frequency of use;
- The price of the license;
- Price of services included (support and updates).
Ultimately, choosing the right SoftExpert Suite license for your company depends on your specific needs and requirements for using the solution. It is important to consider the number of users, work environment, flexibility, security, and desired level of control when making this decision. If in doubt, contact our team of experts for more detailed guidance.
