From a purely technical implementation standpoint, software licensing mechanisms often boil down to controlling usage based on a specific device identifier (node-locked) or a limited number of concurrent users managed by a server (floating). While many other licensing models might abstract these concepts with different commercial terms (like subscriptions tied to a user who can use multiple devices, or feature-based licenses controlled by the underlying node or concurrent access), the core technical enforcement often relies on identifying and restricting usage to particular hardware or a set number of simultaneous connections.
The node-locked licensing model confines software usage to a single, specific computer or device. This restriction is usually enforced by linking the software license to a unique hardware identifier of that machine, effectively allowing activation and operation exclusively on that designated system and preventing unauthorized use on others without an independent license.
It allows users to pay a one-time fee to gain lifetime rights to use a specific version of the software. This model offers a sense of ownership and predictable upfront cost but may lead to using outdated software over time if maintenance or upgrades are not acquired.
A Trial License is a temporary authorization granted to potential users, allowing them to evaluate the full or a limited version of a software product for a specific period, often ranging from a few days to a month. This type of license aims to showcase the software's features and benefits, encouraging users to eventually purchase a full, paid license upon the trial's expiration. Trial licenses often come with restrictions, such as limited functionality, usage time, or the presence of watermarks, and they serve as a crucial marketing and sales tool for software vendors.
A Feature License grants access to specific functionalities or modules within a software application, allowing vendors to offer different tiers or editions of their product with varying sets of enabled features. Instead of a monolithic license granting access to everything, users purchase licenses that unlock only the capabilities they need, providing a more granular and often cost-effective approach to software usage. This model enables flexible product packaging and allows users to tailor their software investment to their specific requirements.
A floating license, also known as a concurrent license or network license, is a software licensing model that allows a limited number of users to simultaneously access and use a software application across a network. Instead of being tied to a specific machine or named user, a pool of licenses is managed by a central license server.
A Subscription License grants users the right to access and utilize software for a defined period, typically requiring recurring payments (monthly or annually) to maintain active access. Unlike perpetual licenses where a one-time purchase grants permanent use, a subscription model operates on a rental basis, providing continuous access to the latest software versions, updates, and often support as long as the subscription remains active.
A Time-Limited (Expiring) License grants users the right to use software for a specific duration, after which the license automatically becomes invalid and access is revoked. This type of license is commonly used for trial periods, short-term projects, academic licenses, or as a way to enforce subscription renewals. Upon expiration, users typically need to purchase a new license or renew their existing one to continue using the software, making it a mechanism for both evaluation and ongoing revenue generation.
A Named License ties the authorization to use a software product to a specific, identified individual or user account. This means that only the designated person can access and utilize the software, typically requiring them to log in with their unique credentials. While it ensures accountability and can simplify license management for a specific user base, it often restricts simultaneous usage by multiple individuals, even if they are within the same organization, unless additional named licenses are purchased for each user.