Licensing-as-a-Service: Fast, Flexible, and Future-Proof

Licensing does not have to be complicated. With CodeMeter Licensing-as-a-Service (CmLaaS), software vendors can begin right away with preconfigured models, tailor them to their own needs, and expand flexibly – without compromising on security or individuality.

Do you remember your first apartment? Unless you moved into a fully furnished one, you probably still recall the days or weeks you spent putting together your own interior. Of course, this has the advantage of giving you a home tailored to your personal needs and preferences. On the other hand, it costs both time and money. A furnished apartment, by contrast, is ready to move into immediately and usually meets general standards.

Now imagine renting a furnished apartment where you could choose between a few standard layouts. Your home would still be ready to move into immediately, yet better suited to your needs. This is exactly what you get with CodeMeter Licensing-as-a-Service (CmLaaS).

But let’s take the apartment comparison from the top. With CodeMeter License Central as the backend and CodeMeter License Portal as the frontend, Wibu-Systems offers a fully customizable software licensing solution. You create your license models individually in CodeMeter License Central, just like furnishing an empty apartment. In addition to the time involved, you also need the necessary expertise to ensure the license models meet your requirements. A professional license designer from Wibu-Systems’ Professional Services team can act as your interior designer. You have the option to either buy (host CodeMeter License Central on-premises) or rent it through Wibu Operating Services.

If, on the other hand, you want to start quickly and easily, CmLaaS is the right choice for you. The most common license models are already preconfigured, so you can get going immediately. Our offering is like a move-in-ready apartment, furnished with attractive and practical pieces.

Still, you are not locked into a mass product. With CmLaaS, you define license templates that fit your products and provide flexibility for your customers. Our Sales and Professional Services teams are available to support you with advice and hands-on assistance. For each license template, you specify the product name to be licensed and the features that customers can purchase.

For example, the template for your “Music Software” product could include the additional feature “Piano.” This way, both cases are covered: with or without piano. And should you no longer like a “piece of furniture” or want to add a new license model, you can simply change it at any time. Once the license templates are created, you receive an AxProtector configuration file to automatically protect your application, along with a user account for CodeMeter License Portal to assign licenses to your customers. To support you further, we provide tutorial videos that explain how this step should be carried out. With these resources, you can license your product independently within an hour. And if something does not go as expected, we are of course there to help you.

License Models

Perpetual Single User License

A license purchased once can be used indefinitely without the need for renewal. It is bound either to a device (CmActLicense), a dongle (CmDongle), or a user account in the cloud (Personal CmCloudContainer). It can be used on the device it is bound to, or wherever the dongle or user account is directly connected. No later synchronization with the CmLaaS server is required, meaning CmActLicenses or CmDongle licenses can run completely offline.

For you as a vendor, however, this type of license does not generate recurring revenue.

Perpetual Floating Network License

This license is analogous to the Perpetual Single User License. It, too, can be used without any time limitations. Unlike a Single User License, however, this license resides on a license server and can be used simultaneously by a number of users or devices that you define.

The license container (CmActLicense or CmDongle) is connected to the license server. The clients running the software do not require a local license container.

For cloud-based licenses, an Enterprise CmCloudContainer is required, which can either be linked to the license server or directly to individual clients.

Subscription Single User License

In contrast to a perpetual license, a subscription license has an expiration date, which you define at the time of issuance along with the cancellation period. Unless canceled, the license is automatically renewed for one year after it expires.

For devices that operate offline, the license renewal process can be simplified with a push update. In this case, CmLaaS generates an update file for each license, which can then be distributed offline to the devices. A backchannel or a direct online connection of the device is not required, but can be used for automatic renewal with confirmation (receipt).

This model not only creates recurring revenue, but also lowers the barrier to entry for customers who only want to use your software for a limited time.

Subscription Floating Network License

This license is comparable to a Subscription Single User License. The difference is that it resides on an offline or cloud license server. This simplifies the renewal process, since only one central license needs to be renewed instead of multiple individual licenses.

Trial License

A trial license gives customers the opportunity to test your software for a set period of time you define. It expires automatically and is not renewed. If needed, new trial licenses can be issued. Another possible use case is as an emergency license.

Prepaid Time-Based License

A prepaid license includes a fixed time credit, such as 30, 90, or 365 days. Once activated, the quota is unlocked and expires after the defined period. The following scenarios apply:

• If a suitable, valid license is already present on the license container, the license is extended by the set period.
• If a suitable but expired license is present on the license container, the expired license is deleted and replaced by a new license.
• If no suitable license is present on the license container, a new license is created.

Typically, these licenses are used for editions with fixed features, but they can also be applied to feature-based models. Best practice for edition or feature changes is to handle upgrades or downgrades at the time of activation.

(Not for Resale) Internal License

Internal licenses are intended for you and your employees to demonstrate your products or provide support to prospects and customers.

They renew automatically every 30 days unless otherwise defined. This prevents you and your employees from holding permanently valid licenses, which could, in the event of loss, lead to unwanted permanent access to your software.

Quick Start

With CodeMeter Licensing-as-a-Service, you can start licensing your software quickly and easily. Common licensing models such as perpetual, subscription, and feature-based can be easily defined and used. And the best part: If you ever need additional customized licensing models, you can configure them in the backend at any time and use them immediately.

CodeMeter Licensing-as-a-Service combines speed with flexibility. Standard license models are ready to use, with customization options always available, and updates or renewals are handled smoothly. Vendors gain recurring revenue options, while customers enjoy a straightforward and secure licensing experience.

 

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