Software Licensing FAQs

With so many options and technical terms, it's hard to know which software options are the right ones for your business.  This page will help answer some simple questions to help you know what you are getting with your Software Licensing.

For one-on-one assistance with your
Software Licensing questions, contact us at
SLA@digitaldim.com 
(866) 316 . 7550

LICENSING: Purchasing / Renewals / Process 

How will I know when my License/Contract expires? How long does the Purchase/Renewal process take? How do I request a quote?

 
LICENSING:  Definition / Terminology / Types

What is a software license? What is an ANNUAL license? What is an UPGRADE License? What is a PERPETUAL License? What is a License with CONCURRENCY? What is a License with MAINTENANCE? What is a License with ASSURANCE? What is an OEM license? What is the difference between OEM product and Full-Packaged Product (FPP)? What if I want to install a program I use at the office on my laptop so I can work at home? How does copyright law apply to software licensing?   TYPES VOLUME Licensing Programs What Are VOLUME Licensing Programs SUBSCRIPTION Licensing Programs ENTERPRISE Agreements Pay As You Go EDUCATIONAL & GOVERMENT Institutions

       

 Process of Licensing:

Purchasing & Renewals  

Selecting Purchasing and Maintaining software licensing can be confusing and arduous.   Find help below or contact us for more personalized service on your particular licensing questions.   

 

>>  How will I know when my contract expires?

Digital Dimension will contact you 30-60 days prior to expiration

Digital Dimension will contact your organization 30-60 days prior to the expiration date of your contract. This will allow for adequate time to keep your hardware covered and under contract.
If you are not a current client of ours, but would like to receive the complimentary benefits of our "Auto Renewal Notification" program, simply click here to sign up.
> Sign Up

>>  How long does the Purchase/Renewal process take?

On average contracts are assigned/renewed within 3-4 days. That means
Once you place your order request, processing begins. Smaller contracts may take only 1-2 days.
Once your contracts are Processed and/or renewed, you will receive an email confirmation. A CCO ID will be assigned and coverage has begun.

Am I eligible for deeper discounts? Your discount structure is dependant on several factors: 1. Your organizational type: Government (.GOV) / Educational (.EDU) / Commercial (All others) 2. Digital Dimension can offer VOLUME discounts on larger contracts. 3. When PACKAGES and/or BUNDLES are available, additional savings can be earned. 4. Digital Dimension Promotions: CASH BACK REWARDS program is our most popular Check out our PROMOTIONS page or ask your Digital Dimension Rep about current promotions.

>>  How do I request a quote?

Simply Fill out our QUOTE FORM.  If you prefer, EMAIL US.  
Or Call us toll Free at (866) 316.7550 to get all your product and compatibility questions answered. 

In order to receive the most accurate quote along with the BEST possible pricing, you may be asked for any one or several of the following: Product ID, Contract ID, SKU #'s.  For Service Support Contracts you may be asked for one or several of the following:  Hardware ID/serial numbers of your hardware components that you wish to receive coverage on,
From those serial numbers, we will be able to determine which licenses are current, which may be facing End Of Life, which are due for renewal and so on.  We will also be able to discover if there are any discrepancies, redundancies or other ways eliminate unnecessary spending. We will work on other ways to help find you savings with your contracts such as, co-terming/pro-rating and consolidating each unit to a specific date.

If your hardware support contract or license is currently under contract, you may choose any renewal date you like, however, if a contract does not exist, you may only request a minimum of a one year contract.
Accurate serial numbers/product ID's are the key to quick and accurate renewals -- and the most opportunity to save.

Toll Free 866-316-7550

 

 

LICENSING: 

Definition / Terminology / Types

What is a software license?

A software license gives a person (or an institution) the right to use a software product in a particular way. The terms of the license agreement describe the permitted uses of the software.  A software license entitles the user to install and run one copy of the software on a computer or device. Installing additional copies of software than you have licenses for is a violation of the copyright law.  Copyright law also limits how a person may use the software.

Although a license is required for each system on which the software package is installed, it does not include a CD-ROM. Licenses and CD-ROMs are sold separately and in order to install the program on your machine, a CD-ROM is required.

 

What is an Annual license?

An annual license is a legally binding agreement between a user and the software manufacturer, entitling the user to run the program on one machine per license for the period of the current contract. This contract period varies by manufacturer but is usually for one year. Installing software on more machines than you have licenses is a violation of the copyright law.

An annual license requires payment of an annual fee and also requires that the user notify Software Licensing that the software will no longer be used. Software Licensing pays for the licenses in advance and bills the end users annually.

Although a license is required for each system on which the software package is installed, it does not include a CD-ROM. Licenses and CD-ROMs are sold separately and in order to install the program on your machine, a CD-ROM is required.

 

What is an Upgrade License?

An upgrade license allows customers who have purchased an older version of software to update to a newer version without paying the full license fee. Upgrade licenses are only offered for certain products.

What is a Perpetual License?

A perpetual license is a license that is paid once and does not need to be renewed annually.

 

What is a License with Concurrency?

Concurrent licensing is a software license model that is based on the number of simultaneous users accessing the program. This model deals with software running on a server where users connect via the network. For example, in a 5-user concurrent license, once 5 users are logged on to the program, the 6th user is prohibited. When any one of the first 5 log off, the next person can log on.

Concurrent licensing is offered by Adobe/Macromedia for certain programs, and is most often used in computer labs. For example, if you have a lab of 20 computers and only wish to have any 5 computers accessing the program at a given time, purchase 5 licenses w/concurrency. This is more cost-effective than purchasing 20 individual licenses for each computer.

This licensing model is NOT to be used on standalone workstations. It must only be used in a server environment and must be managed appropriately. Adobe recommends using KeyServer to control how many computers access certain programs, but any similar program will be sufficient.

What is a License with Maintenance?

A license with maintenance allows customers to purchase a license and maintenance at the same time. Maintenance allows customers to receive upgrades for one or two years from the date of purchase or until date of expiration, depending on the software. Maintenance with concurrency is purchased with license with concurrency.

 

What is a License with Assurance?

Microsoft's terminology for a license with maintenance. Assurance allows customers to receive free upgrades less the purchase of a CD-ROM of new software versions until July 31 of every year.

 

What is an OEM license?

An “OEM” license is a license distributed by an Original Equipment Manufacturer, or an “OEM.” An OEM is a person or company who builds and sells computers. Some OEMs also distribute software, especially operating systems such as Microsoft® Windows.

 

What is the difference between OEM product and Full-Packaged Product (FPP)?

OEM products are intended to be preinstalled on hardware before the end user purchases the product. They are “shrink wrapped” and do not come in a box like the retail products do. Full-Packaged Product (FPP) is boxed with CD(s), manuals, and the EULA and is sold in retail stores in individual boxes. The End User License Agreements (commonly referred to as “EULAs”) for OEM and FPP products are slightly different. One main difference is that an OEM operating system license (such as the license for Windows) cannot be transferred from its original PC to another PC. However, the FPP version of Windows may be transferred to another PC as long as the EULA, manual and media (such as the backup CD) accompany the transfer to the other PC. Also, when a customer purchases an OEM product, the OEM license requires the OEM to provide support for the product.

 

What if I want to install a program I use at the office on my laptop so I can work at home?

This is usually referred to as secondary user rights. This allows a licensed user to install the software on an additional computer they own, such as a laptop or a home computer. It does not grant other users access or entitlements to the software, nor does it allow concurrent usage of the program. You should verify the EULA "End User License Agreement" for your software before installing on any additional machines. You may have to buy a second license (not the full program) to allow you to use the program in this manner.

 

How does copyright law apply to software licensing?

According to the U.S. Copyright Act, it is illegal to make or distribute copyrighted material (which includes computer programs) without specific authorization from the copyright owner. The unauthorized duplication of software constitutes copyright infringement, regardless of whether it is done for sale, for free distribution, or for the copier's own use.

 

 Volume Licensing Programs 

Use our Software Licensing Advisor (SLA's) to help you navigate through the stacks of options - choosing the right plan for your network will ultimately save you time, assure you compliance and optimize your savings strategies. Each software manufacturer  will have their own specific programs, plans and promotional programs. Most will offer basic plans with variations of their own - these may include:

What Are VOLUME Licensing Programs Volume licensing of software makes it easier and more affordable to run software on multiple computers within an organization. By acquiring software licenses through a Volume Licensing program, you only pay for the software license.  Unlike most  boxed software which may includes media (the CD-ROM or DVD), a user's guide and other packaging items,  purchasing through a Volume Licensing Program eliminates these physical costs and provides a more customized purchasing plan with improved software management. SUBSCRIPTION Licensing Programs Allows you to buy your licensing as an annual subscription.  This give you the ability to increase or decrease your license count on an annual basis to accommodate changes in desktop PC count.   ENTERPRISE Agreements Provides cost savings beyond standard license pricing.  Enterprise agreements may offer lower up-front costs and additional flexibility.  It may also offer the ability to acquire software licenses and services by the unit while realizing volume purchasing advantages.  These types of agreements are designed to help your business standardize IT across the enterprise, and often includes comprehensive Software Assurance benefits. Pay-As-You Go Usually an entry-level program that allows you to start using software immediately and pay as you go. EDUCATIONAL & GOVERMENT Institutions On campus or within the agency, you have special needs and as such Manufacturers often offer special programs tailored to your environment.  Additional discounts and special features may be available to you through certain software manufacturers.     /p> >  For best options, talk to your Software Licensing Advisor (SLA)