Software Licencing

Proprietary (Closed-Source) License

This type of license restricts users from accessing the source code of the software and often limits how the software can be used. Users typically receive the compiled program, and they must abide by the terms and conditions set by the software’s owner.

Open Source License

Open source licenses grant users the right to view, modify, and distribute the source code of the software freely. There are various open source licenses, including the GNU General Public License (GPL), Apache License, and MIT License, each with its own terms and conditions.

Permissive License

Permissive licenses, such as the MIT License and the Apache License, allow users to modify and distribute the software under relatively lenient terms. Users can incorporate permissively licensed code into their projects, even proprietary ones, without significant restrictions.

Commercial License

Commercial licenses are typically used for proprietary software and require users to purchase a license or pay a fee for specific uses. These licenses often provide additional features, support, or warranties in exchange for payment.

Freeware

Freeware licenses allow users to use the software for free, but they may have restrictions on distribution, modification, or commercial use.

Shareware License

Shareware licenses often allow users to try the software for free before requiring payment for continued use or access to additional features.

Public Domain License

Software in the public domain is not protected by copyright, allowing anyone to use, modify, and distribute it freely without restrictions.

Single-user license

Also known as a single-seat license or individual license, is a software licensing arrangement that grants the right to install and use a software application on a single computer or device, typically for a single user.

In most cases, single-user licenses are non-transferable, meaning the license cannot be shared, resold, or used by multiple individuals on different devices.

Single-user licenses are often associated with software intended for personal or individual use, such as productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office), creative applications (e.g., Adobe Photoshop), or specialized tools (e.g., accounting software).

Multi-User License

A multi-user license, sometimes referred to as a concurrent license, allows a specified number of users to access and use a software application simultaneously.

The number of users permitted under the license is defined in the agreement, and when that limit is reached, additional users cannot access the software until existing users log out.

Site License

A site license is a software licensing agreement that grants an organization or institution the right to use a particular software product on an unlimited number of computers or for an unrestricted number of users within a single physical location or site.

Site licenses are often employed by educational institutions, government agencies, and large enterprises to provide widespread access to software applications while simplifying management and reducing costs.

Educational and Academic Licenses

These licenses are often offered to educational institutions, students, or researchers, allowing them to use the software for educational or research purposes under specific terms and conditions.