{"id":34575,"date":"2025-02-11T14:59:19","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T14:59:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/software-licensing-what-to-look-for-when-buying-software-for-a-company\/"},"modified":"2025-02-11T14:59:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T14:59:19","slug":"software-licensing-what-to-look-for-when-buying-software-for-a-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/software-licensing-what-to-look-for-when-buying-software-for-a-company\/","title":{"rendered":"Software licensing: what to look for when buying software for a company?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"108\" data-end=\"482\">Every company, regardless of its size or industry, uses a variety of software &#8211; from operating systems to office programs to specialized applications tailored to the needs of a particular business. Choosing the right software license is a key aspect of IT management that affects a company&#8217;s legality, costs and operational security. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"484\" data-end=\"811\">Inappropriate license choices can lead to serious legal and financial consequences, such as fines for using illegal copies of programs or limited functionality of systems. It is equally important to ensure compliance with legal regulations, such as <strong data-start=\"758\" data-end=\"766\">RODO<\/strong> or internal IT security policies. <\/p>\n<p data-start=\"813\" data-end=\"1042\">In this article, we&#8217;ll discuss the different types of software licenses, key aspects of purchasing software for your business, and best practices to help avoid problems associated with improper use of business applications.<\/p>\n<h2 data-start=\"1044\" data-end=\"1074\"><strong data-start=\"1047\" data-end=\"1072\">Key findings<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1690\">\n<li data-start=\"1076\" data-end=\"1195\">Choosing the right software license affects the cost, legality and usability of programs in a company.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1196\" data-end=\"1304\">There are various licensing models, including single-user, OEM, subscription and open-source licenses.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1305\" data-end=\"1417\">Illegal use of the software can result in heavy fines and legal problems.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1418\" data-end=\"1546\"><strong data-start=\"1420\" data-end=\"1460\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"1422\" data-end=\"1458\">RamsData<\/a><\/strong> offers professional consulting on software licensing for businesses.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1547\" data-end=\"1690\">It is important to regularly audit your licenses to avoid problems associated with outdated or illegal copies of programs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"1692\" data-end=\"1712\"><strong data-start=\"1695\" data-end=\"1710\">Table of contents<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol data-start=\"1714\" data-end=\"2099\">\n<li data-start=\"1714\" data-end=\"1757\"><strong data-start=\"1717\" data-end=\"1755\">Types of software licenses<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1758\" data-end=\"1819\"><strong data-start=\"1761\" data-end=\"1817\">What to look for when choosing a license for a company?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1820\" data-end=\"1875\"><strong data-start=\"1823\" data-end=\"1873\">Benefits of legal software<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1876\" data-end=\"1942\"><strong data-start=\"1879\" data-end=\"1940\">The most common mistakes when buying software licenses<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1943\" data-end=\"2012\"><strong data-start=\"1946\" data-end=\"2010\">How to avoid legal problems related to software?<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2013\" data-end=\"2066\"><strong data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2064\">Best practices for IT license management<\/strong><\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2067\" data-end=\"2099\"><strong data-start=\"2070\" data-end=\"2097\">Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 data-start=\"2101\" data-end=\"2144\"><strong data-start=\"2104\" data-end=\"2142\">Types of software licenses<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2146\" data-end=\"2321\">Choosing the right license is crucial for the legal and effective use of software in a company. Depending on your needs, different licensing models are available: <\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2323\" data-end=\"2847\">\n<li data-start=\"2323\" data-end=\"2411\"><strong data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2355\">Single-station license<\/strong> &#8211; allows installation of the program on a <strong data-start=\"2325\" data-end=\"2355\">single<\/strong> device.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2412\" data-end=\"2513\"><strong data-start=\"2414\" data-end=\"2430\">OEM license<\/strong> &#8211; assigned to a specific hardware, not transferable to another device.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2514\" data-end=\"2626\"><strong data-start=\"2516\" data-end=\"2549\">Subscription license (SaaS)<\/strong> &#8211; a subscription model that allows access to software in the cloud.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2627\" data-end=\"2734\"><strong data-start=\"2629\" data-end=\"2651\">Perpetual license<\/strong> &#8211; a one-time payment for the software, with no need to renew subscriptions.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2735\" data-end=\"2847\"><strong data-start=\"2737\" data-end=\"2761\">Open-source license<\/strong> &#8211; free software that can be modified and customized to suit your needs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"2849\" data-end=\"2910\"><strong data-start=\"2852\" data-end=\"2908\">What to look for when choosing a license for a company?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2912\" data-end=\"3005\">When purchasing a software license, there are a few key aspects to pay attention to:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3500\">\n<li data-start=\"3007\" data-end=\"3100\"><strong data-start=\"3010\" data-end=\"3019\">Cost<\/strong> &#8211; is it more cost-effective to purchase a one-time license or a subscription model?<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3101\" data-end=\"3188\"><strong data-start=\"3104\" data-end=\"3126\">Scope of use<\/strong> &#8211; does the license allow installation on multiple devices?<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3189\" data-end=\"3274\"><strong data-start=\"3192\" data-end=\"3218\">Upgradability<\/strong> &#8211; are software updates included in the price?<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3275\" data-end=\"3393\"><strong data-start=\"3278\" data-end=\"3296\">Security<\/strong> &#8211; does the software meet IT security requirements and comply with regulations?<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3394\" data-end=\"3500\"><strong data-start=\"3397\" data-end=\"3420\">Technical support<\/strong> &#8211; does the vendor offer support for problems with the use of the software?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 data-start=\"3502\" data-end=\"3557\"><strong data-start=\"3505\" data-end=\"3555\">Benefits of legal software<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3559\" data-end=\"3985\">\n<li data-start=\"3559\" data-end=\"3677\"><strong data-start=\"3561\" data-end=\"3594\">Avoiding legal problems<\/strong> &#8211; using legal licenses eliminates the risk of financial penalties for piracy.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3678\" data-end=\"3787\"><strong data-start=\"3680\" data-end=\"3701\">IT security<\/strong> &#8211; updated and legitimate software is less vulnerable to cyberattacks.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"3891\"><strong data-start=\"3790\" data-end=\"3813\">Technical support<\/strong> &#8211; legitimate programs usually come with professional manufacturer support.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3892\" data-end=\"3985\"><strong data-start=\"3894\" data-end=\"3918\">Full functionality<\/strong> &#8211; illegal copies often have limited functionality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"3987\" data-end=\"4053\"><strong data-start=\"3990\" data-end=\"4051\">The most common mistakes when buying software licenses<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"4055\" data-end=\"4394\">\n<li data-start=\"4055\" data-end=\"4153\"><strong data-start=\"4057\" data-end=\"4099\">Buying the wrong license model<\/strong> &#8211; such as choosing OEM when the company plans to change hardware.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4154\" data-end=\"4277\"><strong data-start=\"4156\" data-end=\"4194\">Lack of control over the number of licenses<\/strong> &#8211; many companies do not monitor their licenses, leading to excessive costs.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4278\" data-end=\"4394\"><strong data-start=\"4280\" data-end=\"4320\">Using outdated licenses<\/strong> &#8211; can result in security vulnerabilities and lack of technical support.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"4396\" data-end=\"4465\"><strong data-start=\"4399\" data-end=\"4463\">How to avoid legal problems related to software?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ol data-start=\"4467\" data-end=\"4793\">\n<li data-start=\"4467\" data-end=\"4569\"><strong data-start=\"4470\" data-end=\"4519\">Purchase licenses only from trusted vendors<\/strong> &#8211; such as. <strong data-start=\"4526\" data-end=\"4566\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4528\" data-end=\"4564\">RamsData<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4570\" data-end=\"4678\"><strong data-start=\"4573\" data-end=\"4612\">Carefully analyze license agreements<\/strong> &#8211; check the scope of use and terms of license transfer.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4679\" data-end=\"4793\"><strong data-start=\"4682\" data-end=\"4723\">Regularly audit your licenses<\/strong> &#8211; monitor whether all software in your company is legal and up-to-date.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 data-start=\"4795\" data-end=\"4848\"><strong data-start=\"4798\" data-end=\"4846\">Best practices for IT license management<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"4850\" data-end=\"5295\">\n<li data-start=\"4850\" data-end=\"5040\"><strong data-start=\"4852\" data-end=\"4910\">Using license management software<\/strong> &#8211; tools such as <strong data-start=\"4933\" data-end=\"4980\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/checkmk\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4935\" data-end=\"4978\">CheckMK<\/a><\/strong> help you monitor the legality of the software you use.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5041\" data-end=\"5160\"><strong data-start=\"5043\" data-end=\"5094\">Create a software management policy<\/strong> &#8211; determine what programs are allowed to be used in the company.<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5161\" data-end=\"5295\"><strong data-start=\"5163\" data-end=\"5211\">Assign responsibility for IT licenses<\/strong> &#8211; designate a person or department responsible for controlling the licenses held.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 data-start=\"5297\" data-end=\"5329\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-34378\" src=\"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cyberbezpieczenstwo-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1000\" height=\"700\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cyberbezpieczenstwo-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cyberbezpieczenstwo-1-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cyberbezpieczenstwo-1-768x538.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2 data-start=\"5297\" data-end=\"5329\"><strong data-start=\"5300\" data-end=\"5327\">Frequently asked questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"5331\" data-end=\"5391\"><strong data-start=\"5335\" data-end=\"5389\">Can an OEM license be transferred to a new computer?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5392\" data-end=\"5505\">No, the OEM license is assigned to a specific hardware and cannot be legally transferred to another device.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5507\" data-end=\"5581\"><strong data-start=\"5511\" data-end=\"5579\">Is it worth choosing subscription licenses over one-time licenses?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5582\" data-end=\"5694\">It depends on the needs of the company. Subscription provides ongoing updates and support, but incurs recurring costs. <\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"5696\" data-end=\"5767\"><strong data-start=\"5700\" data-end=\"5765\">How to check if a company is using legitimate software?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"5768\" data-end=\"5911\">The best way is to conduct an IT audit and use license monitoring tools such as <strong data-start=\"5861\" data-end=\"5908\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/checkmk\/\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5863\" data-end=\"5906\">CheckMK<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Every company, regardless of its size or industry, uses a variety of software &#8211; from operating systems to office programs to specialized applications tailored to the needs of a particular business. Choosing the right software license is a key aspect of IT management that affects a company&#8217;s legality, costs and operational security. Inappropriate license choices [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30141,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34575","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news-en"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34575"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34575\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30141"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ramsdata.com.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}