Software license Types

Installed software licenses pertain to the rights and restrictions associated with using software on various devices. Here are definitions and examples of installed software licenses, including by device, per seat, and network licenses:

By Device License: A by-device license allows the installation and use of software on a specific device or hardware unit. The license typically binds the software’s usage to that particular device and doesn’t grant permission for use on other devices.
Example: Windows OEM License – When you purchase a new computer, it often comes with a pre-installed Windows operating system. The OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) license ties the Windows usage to that particular device.

Per Seat License: Per seat licenses provide permission to install and use the software on a specific number of individual devices or seats. Each seat requires its own license, and the software can be used concurrently on as many devices as there are purchased licenses.
Example: Microsoft Office 2019 Standard – If an organization buys 50 per seat licenses of Microsoft Office 2019 Standard, they can install and use the software on 50 individual devices.

Network License (Concurrent License): A network license, also called a concurrent license, allows a certain number of users or devices to access and use the software simultaneously within a networked environment. The total active users/devices cannot surpass the licensed number at any given time.
Example: Autodesk AutoCAD Network License – Organizations can purchase network licenses for Autodesk AutoCAD, enabling a specific number of users to access and use the software concurrently over the network.

Site License: A site license grants the right to install and use the software across all devices or users within a particular physical location, such as a school campus or a corporate office. It often provides unlimited access to the software within that location.
Example: Adobe Creative Cloud Enterprise Site License – Educational institutions or large enterprises can acquire a site license for Adobe Creative Cloud, allowing unrestricted access to the creative suite within the designated location

Enterprise License: Enterprise licenses cater to large organizations and offer flexibility for deploying software across multiple devices and locations. These licenses may include features like volume discounts and centralized management tools.
Example: IBM SPSS Enterprise License – IBM offers enterprise-level licenses for their SPSS statistical software, which includes advanced capabilities and options for managing software deployments.

Subscription License: Subscription licenses provide access to the software for a specific duration, often on a recurring payment basis. Users can use the software during the subscription period, and access might be revoked if the subscription lapses.
Example: Adobe Acrobat DC Subscription – Adobe offers subscription-based licenses for their Acrobat DC software, granting access to PDF tools on a monthly or annual subscription basis.

Floating License: A floating license permits a certain number of users or devices to share a limited number of software licenses. When a user utilizes the software, it consumes one license; when they finish, the license becomes available for another user.
Example: MathWorks MATLAB Floating License – MATLAB provides floating licenses for concurrent usage within an organization. As users access MATLAB, licenses are dynamically assigned and released.

These diverse types of installed software licenses accommodate different user needs and business requirements, ensuring proper software usage in line with legal agreements and practical deployment scenarios.

For more information about software licenses you can check out these links

https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/developer-for-zos/14.0?topic=tasks-managing-licenses

https://workingmouse.com.au/innovation/software-licensing-and-cloud-service-models/