Software License Management Tools and Strategies

Published on: February 25, 2023

.

8 min read

.

For German Version

There are several software license choices available on the market today. The type of software licenses utilized heavily influences your software licensing management approach. Each form of a solution, from hardware keys to software licenses, cloud licensing, and hybrid solutions, necessitates its analysis and framework.

Every piece of software, regardless of its type, comes with a license. The license specifies what may and cannot be done with the program, as well as the terms under which it may be used, who may use it, and for how long. Each license must be followed. Maintaining registration payments, complying with licensing restrictions, and, most importantly, assessing the relevance of each license are all vital to being efficient and not squandering corporate money.

Companies employ software licensing management (SLM) to precisely track and analyze software license usage. Software license management (SLM) includes all organizational elements of deploying your company's software assets. It is part of the larger field of software asset management. In today's corporate environment, firms rely largely on software solutions for a variety of operations, including mission-critical ones. As a result, software licensing may be a considerable expense for many businesses. Effective licensing management is critical for preventing poor software license tracking and the use concerns that might result from becoming a budget drain.

This article goes through software licensing and the best tools for managing it. It will explain how software licenses operate, the relevance of software licenses, different types of software licenses, firewall licensing types, and Zenarmor NGFW licensing specifics. Moreover, we will discuss how much a software license costs, what a software license agreement entails, and various software license management tools such as Device42, KACE Systems Management Appliance, Snow License Manager, Torii, Micro Focus Asset Management X, Cherwell Asset Management, Snap-IT, FOSSology, and ManageEngine Desktop Central. The article will also discuss the most typical software license as well as the distinction between a software license and a subscription.

What is Software License Management?

SLM, or software licensing management, is a component of overall software asset management (SAM) capabilities that entail the process of minimizing, documenting, and managing total IT expenses. In a nutshell, SLM is a strategy for monitoring and maintaining all of your organization's software licenses. SLM is required to guarantee that your company complies with all applicable enterprise licensing and end-user license agreements (EULA).

Software licenses, in particular, provide the contractual particulars and specifications that regulate how software is used and how its vendor is to be reimbursed. A typical agreement describes the number of licenses purchased, how those purchases are translated into permissible installations, and what happens if the number of licenses utilized exceeds the number of licenses purchased. Effective SLM keeps track of all of this and provides capabilities that might assist your firm in avoiding non-compliance with your software licenses and the fines that come with each compliance violation.

How Do Software Licenses Work?

A software license is a document that specifies the rights of the software's developer and user. It specifies how the software is utilized and how it is compensated. The following are examples of specifications that are included in a license:

• The number of times software can be downloaded

• How much the software cost

• How people gain access to the source code

Typically, licenses take the form of end-user license agreements or corporate license agreements. A license is a contract between the developer and the user or user organization. It defines the license's terms. When obtaining software, the user must agree to the licensing conditions.

Additionally, the software includes a licensing key or product key. The key is used to identify and validate the exact software version. Additionally, it is used to activate the program on a particular computer or device.

Why Software Licenses are Important?

Software licensing is essential because it guarantees that the software is used lawfully and that each firm pays just for the tools it employs. Finding the appropriate software licenser for your organization, may facilitate software administration and increase productivity. In light of this, the following explains why software licensing is essential:

• Using Software Without a License Is Illegal: Unlicensed software renders your business susceptible to various dangers and risks. Additionally, it is considered software piracy. In such circumstances, the program owner or copyright holder may pursue legal action against you, making you legally responsible. With this, the government might even require you to pay for your own damages. Depending on the severity of the offense, you are held personally responsible. Since most firms have methods in place to identify unauthorized software, it is advisable to acquire software from a reputable company with a EULA.

• Helps You Save Time And Money: For efficient operation, a firm must have licensed software in order to save money and time, as well as to increase efficiency. Cyber attacks may be extremely costly in terms of the losses and damages they cause. In addition, the time required to address the issues can set your firm behind. Since conserving time and money is a goal for all organizations, it is always a good idea to take precautions wherever possible. Through software licensing, not only do you save money and time, but you also improve the security and productivity of your organization's everyday operations.

• Better Defense Against Cybersecurity Threats And Dangers: Malware and other sorts of cyber dangers and assaults are mostly attributable to the availability of unlicensed software. This means that devices with unlicensed software are subject to more assaults than those with licensed software. Numerous studies demonstrate that using unlicensed software exposes you to dangers that might eventually result in economic losses. If you want to increase the security of your business, you will be better protected if you sign into a EULA.

What are the Types of Software Licenses?

Software licensing types are evolving along with IT. The same firm may handle licensing for software operating on individual on-premise servers, public clouds, hybrid software, or commercial features incorporated in custom-built applications. Various licenses apply to different software. Common commercial software licensing types are listed alphabetically below:

• Appliance: An appliance license is a license that is applied to hardware with a specified function, such as a specialized application server, a router, or a telephone exchange. The precise terms and conditions depend on the appliance's function and the seller's.

• Client-Server: Client-server license is a two-part license that covers a specific server and a vendor-approved number of "client access licenses" or "CALS". Client-server licenses are changed to accommodate actual and/or virtual servers and extra CAL purchases.

• Concurrent User: Concurrent license is a license that permits a maximum number of concurrent users, a restriction that is frequently enforced via check-in, check-out, and exclusion features.

• Core Points: Under a core points license, a vendor provides point values to physical and/or virtual servers' unique logical processing components, commonly known as cores. An application allocated 100 points per core would cost 200 points to operate on a two-processor server and 400 points to run on a four-processor server. This license type is generally utilized for data center applications.

• Enterprise: An enterprise license is a license that permits a company to install an unrestricted number of copies of a certain software product. The terms and conditions (Ts & Cs) of enterprise licenses and enterprise agreements from some suppliers need a particular number of licenses; thus, a thorough review is required.

• Evaluation: A license that permits the trial usage of the software. Certain evaluation licenses are time-limited and cease to work entirely after the expiration date. Some only provide a portion of the software's complete range of features. Many have features that allow for a smooth transition to a fully working, paid version of the product.

• Named User: Similar to a concurrent user license, but includes named users. Some named user licenses to enable access to be transferred to other users, while others do not without a license amendment.

• Node-Locked: Node-locked licenses restrict access to a specified group of "named" machines, and are typically used for server-based applications. Some permit the transfer of a license key to another computer upon request and approval of a new license key.

• Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): OEM licenses are often applied to the fundamental software included with a particular piece of hardware. Typically, OEM licenses cannot be transferred to other hardware devices.

• Per-Device: Per-device license is possibly the most common license type and restricts the total number of approved installations bought. Generally, the software can be transferred from one system to another so long as the maximum number of allowed installs is not exceeded.

• Per-Processor (or Per-CPU): Per-processor and per-CPU licenses, unlike core point licenses, are dependent on the number of actual processor sockets on which an application will execute.

• Per-User: Per-user license emphasizes the total number of permitted users. Typically, each user within the maximum allowed limit is permitted to install the program on numerous devices, with each installation counted as a single user instance.

• Perpetual: Pay a single fee, and use the software indefinitely. A perpetual license forbids moving the software to another machine or imposing additional fees for maintenance or upgrades.

• Run-Time: Pay a one-time charge and use the program forever. A perpetual license may prohibit the program from being transferred to another system or charge additional payments for maintenance and upgrades.

• Site: A site license is a software license that permits the installation of software on an unrestricted number of computers at a single physical location.

Which Types of Licensing are Used for Firewalls?

When you buy a firewall, you acquire a product that prevents unwanted traffic from accessing your network. Nonetheless, there is a great lot of antagonistic traffic of several kinds. And some are easier than others to recognize and prevent. Not every business requires protection from every form of risk.

You may set the required level of protection through firewall licensing. Consider it an investment in additional feature sets. Everything from the most basic (maybe for a house) to maximum safety (for a financial institution). Clearly, the many providers of licensed products offer their products memorable names. In general, though, its operation is comparable.

The majority of firewalls come with a basic license. This is only an alternative way of thinking about the basic firewall without the additional license. The base license is often perpetual. The extra features are available for purchase, similar to subscriptions. A base license often includes a firewall with minimal functionalities like application control and SSL Inspection.

What are the Details about Zenarmor NGFW Licensing?

Zenarmor is a software-only instant firewall that may be installed almost anywhere. Because of its appliance-free, all-in-one, all-software, lightweight, and simple architecture, it can be simply deployed on any platform with network access. Whether virtual or physical. On-premises or cloud-based.

Each package in Zenarmor is licensed based on the number of devices. You can select a package from one of three categories, Free, Home, SOHO, or Business, that best fits the features you need, and you can pay on a monthly or annual basis. Each membership level offers unique benefits. To begin, you should review the Zenarmor plans and price page to determine which features you require.

How much does a Zenarmor Software License Cost?

The price of the Home package for 1 month starts from 9.99, SOHO 39, and Business from 50 $. Subscription plans from Zenarmor are divided into levels based on the number of devices protected:

• Zenarmor Home - Up to 100 Devices (non-commercial use)

• Zenarmor Soho - Up to 50 Devices

• Zenarmor Soho - Up to 100 Devices

• Zenarmor Business - Up to 25 Devices

• Zenarmor Business - Up to 50 devices

• Zenarmor Business - Up to 100 Devices

• Zenarmor Business - Up to 250 Devices

• Zenarmor Business - Up to 500 Devices

• Zenarmor Business - Up to 1000 Devices

• Zenarmor Business - Up to 2000 Devices

• Zenarmor Business - Up to 2000+ Devices

Zenarmor does not disable devices that exceed your licensed device count.

It is not an issue to exceed the number of licensed devices by 10%. If this level is surpassed, you may notice some performance degradation. Please review the subscription plans to choose which plan best matches your requirements.

What does the Zenarmor License Agreement Include?

The Zenarmor service license part describes the terms and conditions of a subscription software product. The user is granted a limited, non-exclusive license to access and use the website, platform, and software in accordance with the agreement. Beta software may also be made available, but can be terminated and disabled at any time by the company and any feedback given by the user can be used by the company for business purposes. Additional terms may apply to specific subscription software products and the user must agree to them before activating the subscription. The user is prohibited from using, copying, modifying, or exploiting the website, platform, or software in any way not outlined in the agreement and is responsible for their internet connection and any charges that apply. The user must also keep any confidential information obtained about the subscription software product confidential and not share or use it for any other purpose than using the software in accordance with the agreement.

For more information, you can check out the terms and services page.

What are the Software License Management Tools?

Organizations need software license management tools to ensure compliance with software vendor agreements and avoid overspending on licenses. Software license management tools are used to optimize license usage and cut costs. They assist organizations in maintaining an accurate inventory of their software licenses and usage. To assist you in finding the best tools to manage your software licenses, some software license management tools are introduced below:.

• Device42
• KACE Systems Management Appliance
• Snow License Manager
• Torii
• Micro Focus Asset Management X
• Cherwell Asset Management
• Snap-IT
• FOSSology
• ManageEngine Desktop Central

Device42

Device42 is a cloud-based software solution for managing IT infrastructure, networks, and data centers. It discovers your IT infrastructure instantly, monitors it appropriately, and assists you in managing it. From a single customized dashboard, powerful visualizations give a thorough overview of your infrastructure and mutual relationships. Device42 comes with everything you need to properly record and automate your infrastructure, including a fully automated discovery-based CMDB, DCIM, ITAM, IPAM, robust reporting, an audit trail, a comprehensive RESTful API, and more.

It obtains visibility into the data center and cloud assets instantly and smoothly. Before migration, it automatically links communication across all of your apps, maps them, and evaluates application dependencies. Add-ons for licensing management, service discovery and dependency mapping, deep application mapping, and power monitoring and control are available for Device42.

Instead of spreadsheet or Visio files, document data center control outcomes in Device42. This eliminates the need to wait for everything to be done and documented, and data does not lose currency.

You may construct and maintain a complete, accurate profile of all software installed on Windows, Linux, and BSD workstations throughout the whole IT infrastructure, from server to desktop.

KACE Systems Management Appliance

With the software licensing management features of the KACE Systems Management Appliance, achieving software license optimization and compliance is simple (SMA). The KACE SMA is a comprehensive solution for managing software licenses, with inventory, reporting, and IT asset management (ITAM) software features that save your business money through software asset management (SAM) with optimal license use and licensing harvesting. In addition to helping you demonstrate compliance, comprehensive reporting enables the assignment and reconciliation of software licenses against automatically found the software to guarantee that your firm adheres to licensing agreement requirements.

Snow License Manager

Snow License Manager helps businesses to optimize their software licenses by giving a comprehensive picture of software usage and rights, hence minimizing compliance risks and lowering expenses for commercial software authors. In a single solution, Snow Licensing Manager reliably identifies which software is utilized on the network and dynamically matches the identified software with the institution's license rights. Snow License Manager is the foundation of an enterprise-scale Software Asset Management (SAM) portfolio that enables SAM (Software Asset Management) teams and stakeholders to manage on-premises software licenses and cloud resources for user PCs, mobile devices, and data centers. Snowboard management dashboards are customizable for different enterprise-wide authorized users (IT, finance, procurement, compliance, HR, etc.). This tool gives stakeholders access to thorough analysis and decreases the administrative load for SAM program administrators. Comprehensive financial management, forecasting, and trending capabilities allow businesses to maintain control over the now and the future.

Torii

Torii offers the optimal solution for managing SaaS licenses, suppliers, and software usage inside a company. The following are a few subjects where Torii helps your organization:

• Automated Discovery: Obtain complete insight into all Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications deployed inside your firm. Determine the specific SaaS that is now being employed and by whom.

• Spend Optimization: Utilize data analytics and actionable insight to reduce expenditures and maximize SaaS adoption.

• Insights and Alerts: Maintain awareness of crucial events as they occur. Receive updates on the addition of new applications, unanticipated costs, and forthcoming renewals.

Micro Focus Asset Management X

ZENworks Asset Management which is Micro Focus Product monitors software deployments and use while ensuring licensing compliance. It assists you in understanding expenses and keeping track of all of your software contracts. You can track software from purchase to deployment and retirement, and link it to UEM bundles for permitted deployments.

Figure 1. *ZENworks Asset Management *

You can track both used and unused software to reclaim unwanted licenses, which will save you money and negotiate difficulties in the long run. License compliance, purchase data, usage, and administration are all managed in one location, keeping your costs low and your people busy.

Cherwell Asset Management

Cherwell Asset Management (CAM) is designed for businesses that wish to save software license costs, IT overhead, and software audit risk. It enables you to identify, consolidate, manage, and thoroughly comprehend your IT asset inventory, which includes software, hardware, software consumption, compliance, and licensing status. CAM, which is integrated with The Cherwell Core no-code platform and the Cherwell Service Management IT Service Management (ITSM) solution, assists you in the following ways:

• Remove the guesswork from what's installed on your network.

• Identify software license gaps so you can address them before an audit.

• Identify underused or underutilized software assets to eliminate wasted spending.

• Consolidate IT buying data and asset inventories.

• Optimize operations so you can devote more time to innovation.

Cherwell Asset Management was designed specifically to decrease software license costs, IT overhead, and software audit risk. The aim is to have insight and control over your IT assets from acquisition to installation, usage, and retirement.

Important advantages of Cherwell Asset Management (CAM) are as follows:

• Increase operational efficiency to improve time to value

• Reduce operating expenses and administrative overhead

• Reduce audit risk and financial risk

• Improve IT services

Figure 2. Cherwell Asset Management (CAM)

Snap-IT

Snipe-IT was designed for IT asset management, allowing IT departments to keep track of who owns which laptop, when it was acquired, what software licenses and accessories are accessible, and so on.

Figure 3. Snipe-IT Dashboard

FOSSology

FOSSology is a software system and toolset for open-source license compliance. From the command line, you may execute license, copyright, and export control scans as a toolkit. A database and web interface are given as part of the solution to offer you a compliance workflow. With a single click, you may create an SPDX file or a ReadMe file including all of your software's copyright notices. Deduplication in FOSSology implies that you may scan a complete distribution, rescan a new version, and just the altered files will be rescanned. This saves a lot of time on bigger projects.

Figure 4. FOSSology

ManageEngine Desktop Central

Desktop management is a comprehensive strategy for controlling all of an organization's computer systems. Despite its name, desktop management involves the supervision of laptops and other computer devices utilized by the firm. Keeping users' computers up to date is difficult for IT administrators, especially given the never-ending duty of upgrading software to avoid security breaches. Desktop management software assists administrators in automating, standardizing, securing, and auditing all computing devices inside their organization.

It is time-consuming and difficult for firms with several servers, desktops, laptops, and tablets, each running various versions of different operating systems and their own set of software applications, to guarantee they're all maintained and safe. Not to mention that all of this must be accomplished while administrators manage the hardware and software inventories, settings, security, patches, and software licensing.

Figure 5. Manage Engine Desktop Central

The control of software licenses is a peripheral subset of software management. Software licensing management is one area where IT administrators may have a direct impact on their enterprise's IT budget. It is quite difficult to maintain track of the licensing status for each program and how many licenses are being used/unused with so many applications inside the managed network. Endpoint Central's software licensing management functionality allows you to track the status and amount of software licenses in order to stay compliant in this sector. IT administrators can set up a rule to monitor the status and quantity of licenses in use.

By using Manage Engine Desktop Central, you will have license management capabilities, some of which are listed below.

• Maintain software licensing compliance.

• Gain knowledge about software purchasing

• If a license is no longer being utilized or required, reassign it to another resource that does.

• Assist the IT budget team in making software renewal and purchase decisions.

• Group together multiple versions of the same program and manage their licensing as one organization.

What is the Most Common Software License?

The most common license type is the "number-of-device" license method. The total number of approved installations that can be purchased is limited by this type. The software can typically be moved from one system to another as long as the allotted number of installs has not been exceeded.

What is the Difference Between a Software License and a Subscription?

The fundamental distinction between a subscription and a perpetual license is that subscription software is charged annually or monthly and is a continuous subscription. A perpetual plan license, on the other hand, is paid up-front in one, enormous flat fee. Typically, you will then pay an annual maintenance cost that includes upgrades and support. These maintenance costs are generally 15-30% of the cost of the first license.

It is essential to remember that subscription software includes all maintenance, upgrades, and technical support in the subscription price - there are no additional costs.

Because it illustrates "above water" and "below water" expenses, an iceberg is an ideal metaphor for the contrasts between the two forms of software. In a subscription license, all of the advantages are included in the upfront year or monthly payment; there are no hidden fees. In contrast to a permanent plan, you will pay a one-time fee, which often does not include system updates, maintenance, customer support, or an IT structure.