Licence Types / Extent of Licence

Different technology providers offer their solutions subject to differing licence types and it is important to understand what you are actually buying and whether that meets your needs. 

Any particular technology provider can define their licence in a different way, so it is important to consider each licence in detail and we are here to help in that respect.

Common licence types and typical meanings:

Per named user    
A licence which is granted to a specific named user.  The named user can be changed, but there are controls around the change of that named user. 

Per concurrent user    
A licence which is granted usually for an unlimited number of named users but in respect of which the number of users who can access at the same time is limited. 

Per device    
A licence which is granted for a particular number of devices.

Node-locked    
A licence which is granted for specific devices, i.e. the licence is locked to that device.

Per processor    
A licence which is granted for a particular number of processors. Depending on how this is drafted, this could actually restrict per “core”, which is challenging given modern processors usually have multiple cores. 

Per core    
A licence which is granted for a particular number of cores, regardless as to the number of processors. 

Enterprise    
A licence which is granted to an entire organisation. However, they typically have controls around volume of users. 

Further restrictions

Internal business use    
Most licences restrict use to “internal business use”. In many cases this causes no issues, but consider: 

• Use on behalf of other group businesses
• Where the procured solution forms part of your digital offering
• Reseller arrangements

Contractors    
Typically a licence grants right to employees and therefore may not cover use by contractors. 

Group use    
Most licences are granted only to the licensee. Consider where use by a group company is required.  

How we can help: