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What is a software license?

Whiteboard Wednesday Episode 26: What is a software license?

Welcome to Whiteboard Wednesday, this week, what is a software license?

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SdQv7-6u3g


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If you’re just starting in IT asset management or you’re just beginning to learn about software licensing, this is where it all begins. What is a software license? A software license in layman’s terms is the right to use a piece of software. 

Explaining how software licensing works:

So when you buy a software license and there are lots of different types, I’m buying the right to use a piece of software, but under certain terms. The comparison here is like when you’re renting a hired car at the airport or for a holiday, you’re not owning the car, you’re just borrowing it, you’re buying the right to use that hired car within certain terms. You know, within the terms and conditions that you sign, you’re not allowed to take the car to a cross the country rally or spray paint it to your own colour or do Millennium Falcon mileage on it. You’re gonna have to look after that car within certain terms. The same is true of software, a software license is the right to use a piece of software within terms as defined by the publisher.

About Martin Thompson

Martin is owner and founder of The ITAM Review, an online resource for worldwide ITAM professionals. The ITAM Review is best known for its weekly newsletter of all the latest industry updates, LISA training platform, Excellence Awards and conferences in UK, USA and Australia.

Martin is also the founder of ITAM Forum, a not-for-profit trade body for the ITAM industry created to raise the profile of the profession and bring an organisational certification to market. On a voluntary basis Martin is a contributor to ISO WG21 which develops the ITAM International Standard ISO/IEC 19770.

He is also the author of the book "Practical ITAM - The essential guide for IT Asset Managers", a book that describes how to get started and make a difference in the field of IT Asset Management. In addition, Martin developed the PITAM training course and certification.

Prior to founding the ITAM Review in 2008 Martin worked for Centennial Software (Ivanti), Silicon Graphics, CA Technologies and Computer 2000 (Tech Data).

When not working, Martin likes to Ski, Hike, Motorbike and spend time with his young family.

Connect with Martin on LinkedIn.

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