Software is increasingly important in the times we live in, as it makes a company not only function properly, but also become more efficient and productive. That's why we decided to talk about Software Licensing.
This is the case with Microsoft Windows and Office. Have you ever thought how inefficient and unproductive it would be not to have this solution today that has profoundly changed the way organizations operate?
But it is not just owning the “software”, it is essential that it is licensed because it cannot become a problem for the company. Better understand the importance of relying on software licensing by following the reading!
Software licensing: what is it?
Software licensing can be understood as the process by which the developer company allows or authorizes another organization or individual to use its technology. For this, it provides a code that must be inserted in the indicated place when the professional is installing the technology in the device, which can be a computer or cell phone, for example.
Software licenses are usually limited to a single usage right. For example, if your company purchased Windows 10, it can only use it on a single device and not concurrently.
How important is software licensing for your company?
Software licensing is the guarantee that the company is not only acting in accordance with the law, that is, respecting the legislation with regard to intellectual property, but also ensuring that your data is properly protected.
Another very important point is the optimization of software costs, when done using good governance, according to studies by the Gartner.
It may be a crime to use unlicensed software
In other words, if the company uses software without its original license, it may be liable for a crime and, because of that, be penalized.
It is very common for organizations to use unlicensed software and not even realize it.
Therefore, in a situation like this, it is most recommended to have a managed software cost management service that is able to carry out a complete survey of the software that the company uses to later check if they are in accordance with the contracts of software.
See software asset management best practices by ABES.
Your company's data could be vulnerable
Another thing that can happen, which we've already talked about, is the company's data being at risk, as it may have some malicious virus that was installed in the software just to gather information about your business operations.
The ideal is to buy original software, which already come with the installation and authorization license, so that the brand can continue to grow without any setbacks, as there is nothing worse for an organization's image than having to explain justice for misuse of the software.
What are the main types of licensing?
To ensure that your company complies with the law and maximizes the benefits of using software, it is essential to understand the different types of licensing available on the market. There are proprietary licenses, which are associated with proprietary software and require a licensing agreement for legal use, and there is also free and public domain software, which can be used at no cost.
Among the main types of licenses, the following stand out:
- Perpetual license: allows the use of the software without an expiration date, ensuring that the company has continuous access to the program without the need for renewal.
- Temporary use: grants access to the software for a set period of time, usually tied to subscriptions.
- GNU GPL (General Public License): open source licensing model that allows modifications and redistributions, respecting the established conditions.
- User License Agreement (EULA): end-user agreement that defines usage restrictions and consumer responsibilities when using the software.
- Open source licenses: Offer more flexibility to developers and businesses, allowing customization and redistribution of code.
Advantages of software licensing
Software licensing offers companies several advantages, such as compliance with general data protection law, improved security and specialized technical support provided by the software provider. In addition, it allows the use of commercially available software without the risk of legal penalties.
Another relevant benefit is the possibility of including automatic updates, ensuring that the company has access to the latest versions of the software. This contributes to improving IT management and protecting IT assets, reducing vulnerabilities.
How to choose the best licensing model for your company?
Choosing the right licensing model depends on the specific software and the specific needs of the company. For organizations that need long-term solutions, perpetual purchasing may be a more advantageous option. For companies looking for flexibility, temporary-use or subscription-based licenses may be more attractive.
Regardless of the model chosen, it is essential to ensure that all software used in the company is properly licensed. This avoids legal issues and ensures compliance with best practices in information technology.
If you want a better licensing strategy for your company, ensuring security and efficiency in the use of software, contact us and find out how we can help!