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What is licensing? |
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Licensing is a way for individuals and companies to save money on software products
for multiple users. Instead of purchasing several copies of software packages, organizations
can purchase a license for each individual user. This gives the user the legal right
to use a particular software application. Licenses come in a variety of user versions
and formats, and each grants certain specific permissions to the purchaser. Most
agreements allow you to run the program on a limited number of machines and to make
copies of the software only for backup. |
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What do I get with my license order? |
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You will receive an e-mail or paper copy of your license agreement. You will need
to order a piece of media, such as a CD-ROM, in addition to your licenses. This
is indicated on the "media" section of the product quote page--just click
on the green plus sign. Instead of "CD-ROM," it will say "license"
to indicate that you indeed are receiving an e-mail or paper copy of the license
agreement. Keep in mind that most software products contain licenses; however, when
you order through volume licensing specifically, you will receive just the paper
copy or "license-only" version of the product--you must order media in
addition. |
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What is an End-User License Agreement
(EULA)? |
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A EULA is the standard license that comes with most software purchases. It usually
appears in one of three forms: an electronic agreement that is found on the software
itself, a piece of paper included in the software's packaging, or a piece of paper
added to the user's manual. The agreement protects the author (your software's publisher)
against unauthorized copying of the software and/or other violations of its property
rights. Unless it is specified otherwise, most software products are for a single
user only. |
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What is volume licensing? |
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Volume licensing represents bulk license purchases that are intended for the needs
of medium-size and large companies. These licenses are available for many products
and typically range from five-user licenses to ones for more than 1,000. The agreements
most often come in paper form (i.e., a certificate that indicates specific user
permissions). This means that when you purchase your product license, you are expected
to have the Original Software already. The new license grants you permission to
use that software on additional computers. You may also purchase new software media
to match the number of licenses you own. |
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How does transactional licensing
differ from contractual licensing? |
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Transactional licensing is geared towards organizations of all sizes, and does not
require a legal contract. To use a program like this, customers simply must initiate
and complete a purchase. Contractual licensing often is targeted towards larger
organizations, often involves a legal contract between the manufacturer and the
user, and spans a period of one to three years. Contractual licensing programs also
can involve forecasting. |
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Does each manufacturer have a different
policy with regard to licenses? |
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Most software vendors have set up their own systems for selling and merchandising
licenses. Amazon.com recommends that you check with each vendor for specific information
about its individual licensing policies. Our online purchasing system maintains
all of the various purchasing rules of the vendors, so you can shop for licenses
easily through our system. |
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What if a new version of an application
is released? Can I upgrade my software? |
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Most software vendors allow licensed users either to upgrade versions for free or
to take advantage of special discounts. Many vendors offer upgrade assurance programs
through their volume license programs allowing for free upgrades within broader
time frames. Please check the terms and conditions for each individual manufacturer,
as upgrade policies can vary. |
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What about technical support? Is
that included in the price of a particular license? |
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In general, vendors will provide a certain amount of technical support per product.
As these policies vary according to each manufacturer, we recommend that you check
the terms and conditions of each individual vendor for details. |
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