Typical Software Licensing

There are a number of different pricing and licensing models utilized by software developers to control user access to software.  The most common licensing models are:

Dedicated CAL - This requires the purchase of a license for each PC utilizing the software.  If you have some users that only occasionally utilize the software the still are required to pay for a full license.  The other issue with this model is the user that does remote work through Terminal Services may also be required to purchase another license for the machine they are working on.

Concurrent CAL - Most companies prefer a concurrent license model because they can purchase the number of licenses they believe necessary for user login in at the same time (concurrent logins).  This way they could potentially have 500 users but only require the purchase of 50 licenses because they estimate no more that 50 are logged in at a single time. This licensing model works well as long as the estimates of users are accurate.  If you happen to be the 51 user, you may be denied access. Another issue raised is the time-out value. Most software with concurrent licensing has a minimum timeout (this is the time that it takes the software to refresh and make that license available to another user) that can limit your usage.  Some software has been known to require 1.5 to 4 hours of timeout and others automatically log-off users if they have been on for too long.  This can become an issue if you require the system use to perform your job.

Web License - Web licenses are generally the same as concurrent CALs.  You are licensed for the number of users that login at the same time. Timeouts and automatic log-offs can be a problem.

Open Source - Open source refers to free licensing available to download over the internet.  Developers post open source products to improve and enhance the community.  Unfortunately if you are not a software developer and require software that is user friendly and ready to use today this is not a very viable option.

Antera's Unlimited User Licensing

This is the method that Antera employs for our licensing model on all software products. Antera initially developed its core software with a combination of open source components.  A typical installation may involve 15 software components built into a stack that appears as a single software program to our customers. This method allows us to provide fixed price licensing including installation, configuration and integration. Our pricing is determined by the number of hours and modules required to setup, customize and operate your system and not the number of users. Once the initial installation is configured Antera can add additional licenses at no cost.  Add 10 or 100 additional users and you have no increase in price. All support is handled by Antera Software. Our specialists and developers have training to meet your enterprise support requirements. 

In today's economy most companies are extremely budget conscience. Software purchases can be very costly on a CAL basis. Frequently businesses limit license purchases to manage costs and end up not utilizing software as it is intended. With our Open Licensing model you can truly have a license for every user in your organization and employ an enterprise solution that really benefits you business. As you grow you are able to add licenses for new employees with no additional cost.

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