11.16.1. Software License Management

A Software License is an instrument that governs the use and redistribution of the Software. It exists in the form of an agreement between the Software Vendor and the purchaser of the Software. The License agreement is referred to as End User License Agreement and contains information like expire date of the License, terms and condition of usage, and redistribution clause.

Managing Software Licenses is vital for an organization to stay compliant. Some of the benefits of having Software License Management are as follows:

  • Proper license management prevents non-compliance, which in turn prevents legal complications.

  • The organization can know its financial liability towards Software licenses.

  • It can track the usage of licensed programs, which in turn can save money. It enables the organization to buy what is required.

  • It Reduces security risks to the IT infrastructure as Licensed Software have support from their Vendors through security updates.

We have a robust Software License management tool that aims to streamline all related processes. Using our tool, you can manage License usage, track compliance violation and receive compliance related notifications.

11.16.1.1. Understanding the License Types

We support ten types of Licenses out of the box. They are as follows:

  • Single Machine: Also referred to as Single User License. This type of License grants a single user to use the Software either on a single machine or multiple machines. Motadata automatically sets the Purchase Count for this type to one.

  • Multiple Machine: This type of License grants multiple users to use the Software package on multiple machines.

  • Enterprise (Perpetual): Typically granted to an organization, this type of License allows unlimited use of the Software in the organization for a continuous period. Activations are done using one master key rather than multiple keys.

  • Unlimited Machines: In this type of License, an organization buys the right to use the Software for a specific period. When the period is over, the License is renewed. During the usage period, the License can be used by an unlimited number of machines.

  • OEM: This type of License is applicable for Software that comes pre-installed with hardware. The License limits the use of the Software on a specific Hardware.

  • Single User: This is an exclusive License for a defined user who uses the Software. The License carries the name of the user.

  • Node Lock: A Node Lock License is an encrypted key that is locked to a specific machine. Motadata automatically sets the Purchase Count for this type to one.

  • Volume Users: A Volume License denotes the product key used when installing software licensed in bulk, which allows a single product key to be used for multiple users.

  • Unlimited Users: This type of License allows unlimited use of the Software by users for a specific period.

  • Free License: This type of License allows the free use of the Software.

11.16.1.2. Workflow for Creating and Managing a License

The process of managing a license can be broadly classified into three parts:

Each of them have sub-processes and options for better control over the License.

figure 122.1

Note

Learn about a Software License Use Case.