Software License Overview
The following is a list of software license terms to assist users to better understand some of the license agreements in use at Brown University. If you have questions about purchasing software for your department, CIS can assist you with research and acquisition details.
Annual License
A license granted for use for one year only. The annual renewal process is controlled by the software vendor. Brown must make a yearly purchase of this type of license, and the vendor often provides a license code to extend access to the software for another 12 months. Once the annual license code is received by CIS, a license update is provided to Brown users.
- Example: SPSS has an annual license that expires on July 31 each year. Brown does not own the SPSS license; SPSS grants Brown access rights to the software on an annual basis.
Concurrent
A limited number of multiple users may access the software at the same time and is limited to a set number of licenses paid for by the University. Usage is regulated by a software license manager that limits the number of simultaneous users as defined by the software license. Concurrent software usage is continuously monitored to determine whether additional licenses are needed.
- Example: Adobe Photoshop CS2 is limited to 40 concurrent users through the KeyServer license manager. Unlimited copies may be installed on personal computers, but only 40 users may run the software at the same time.
Maintenance
Software maintenance is an agreement with the software publisher to provide the following services to Brown CIS staff during the terms of the maintenance period:
- technical support
- software upgrades or updates at no charge
Off Shelf
Off Shelf (or Fully Packaged Product) is boxed, shrink-wrapped software for consumers who are looking for a small quantity of software licenses. Licenses for this type of software are not distributed by Brown but can be acquired through retail outlets. Full versions and upgrades can be purchased, some with educational discounts.
- Example: Macintosh Operating System
Purchasing assistance with off-shelf software is provided by CIS. Contact Carol Vaters at 863-7476 or by email: V_Carol_Vaters at Brown.
Perpetual License
A license owned in perpetuity by the University. Usually this means that updates or upgrades are not available unless the University pays for software maintenance. Not all perpetual licenses offer maintenance. Additional licenses for new versions can be purchased by Brown at a negotiated cost and may be made available in addition to earlier versions (contingent on manufacturer support).
- Example: Sibelius
Upgrades
Updates, revisions or replacement versions provided by the software vendor.
Volume Licensing
Volume Licensing is an economical way to obtain large quantities of software licenses at substantial savings. These types of licenses are usually negotiated with the software publisher.
- Example: Microsoft Campus Agreement
If your department is interested in acquiring volume licenses, CIS can assist with negotiation and departmental purchase. Please contact Carol Vaters at 863-7476 or email V_Carol_Vaters at Brown.