Glossary of Software Licensing Terms

• Academic Version
  Software available to schools.  There may be usage restrictions (who can purchase and how they can use the software).
• Annual License
  License is good for one year, sometimes the software expires after the year and action may be required to continue usage.
• Boxed Good
  Plastic wrapped software usually in a box purchased over the counter or off the shelf.
• Capacity Based License
  Licensed model based on the potential use of the software dependant on the type of computer you are using the software on. 
• Click Through
  Software where the license agreement is presented during the install or download.  Typically you have to click “I agree” to install the software.
• Click Wrap
  Software where the license agreement is presented during the install or download.  Typically you have to click “I agree” to install the software.
• Client Access Licenses (CALs)
  Permits access to a server based program from a client system.  One CAL is required for each client system.
• Concurrent License
  Maximum number of users that can utilize an application simultaneously. Metering tools are usually required.
• Enterprise License
  License that is designed to cover the entire enterprise. 
• EULA
  End User License Agreement
• Freeware
  This software is available free of charge – usually via the internet. 
• Funded Software          
  Software that is typically low cost or free, funded by central UI funds, ITS or other departments.
• Home Use (Faculty and Staff)
  Right to use the software used on campus at home for work related business.
• License
  Contract that mandates the usage of the software (who, how and where the software can be used).  Defines what can or cannot be done with licensed software as defined by the vendor.
• Maintenance
  Period license renewal that entitles you upgrade during a defined period of time.  Typically you purchase maintenance on an annual basis and it allows you to upgrade at no additional cost for the next year.
• Media
  Actual physical software, most common media types are CDs and DVDs.
• Metering
  Process by which the enterprise is required to track the actual distribution and use of the software.  Sets a specific limit to who, where and the number of users allowed to use that software. 
• Named User License
  Every person who uses the application must be registered as a “named user” and have the appropriate licenses.
• Network License
  Local area network or wide area network based license.  Software is available via the network.
• Perpetual License
  Non-expiring rights to software usage.
• Processor Based License
  CPU based, per processor, capacity based licenses and pricing.
• Retail Version
  General public software usually purchased at a retail store. 
• Shareware
  Software that you “try out” for no fee for a set period of time.  If you choose to keep the software, you are directed to send payment to the copyright holder. 
• Shrink Wrap
  Plastic wrapped software usually in a box purchased over the counter or off the shelf.   
• Single User
  License permits a single installation of the product for a single user on a single device.
• Site License
  License tied to a single physical or logical location. 
• Software Acquisition Process
  Process set up with ITS Campus Software Program, The Office of the General Counsel and Purchasing to obtain software. 
• Software Asset Management
  Business discipline by which companies optimize their investment in software assets by tacking and reconciling installed inventory, measuring of usage of products and integrating this information with contract and licensing data.
• Software License Agreement
  Contract that mandates the usage of the software (who, how and where the software can be used).  Defines what can or cannot be done with licensed software as defined by the vendor.
• Software Request Form
  Information needed to obtain software and negotiate agreements specific to the end user needs.
• Support
  Eligible for technical support for a specified time frame.
• Upgrade License
  License that allows users to upgrade to the most current version, usually at a better price point.
• Volume License
  Licenses based on the number of systems or users, more volume usually bring better pricing.

Please email its-software@uiowa.edu if there is a term that you would like to see added to this list.