Software metering

Software metering is the monitoring and controlling of software usage for analytics and the enforcement of license agreements. It involves both passive data collection and active restriction methods to ensure compliance and optimize software usage.

1. 1. Types of Software Metering ##

Software metering can take different forms, each serving specific needs within an organization:

1. 1. 1. Tracking and Maintaining Software Licenses ###

This involves ensuring that the number of concurrent users of a software application does not exceed the terms of the license agreement. This type includes monitoring software usage in real-time to enforce license limits and prevent overuse.

1. 1. 1. Real-Time Monitoring ###

Real-time monitoring involves overseeing all or selected applications running on computers within an organization to detect and prevent the use of unregistered or unlicensed software. This can include configuring software metering agents on each computer to limit the execution of specific software to certain times or prevent it altogether.

1. 1. 1. Fixed Planning and Allocation ###

This method involves planning and allocating software usage according to company policies. It includes maintaining records of usage and attempted usage, checking out and checking in licenses for mobile users, and keeping track of all licenses in use. This helps organizations manage limited license counts effectively and avoid violating license agreements.

1. 1. 1. Pay-Per-Use Licensing ###

In this licensing method, the software automatically records the frequency or duration of use of one or more functions. The user pays fees based on actual usage, providing a flexible and scalable approach to software licensing.

1. 1. References ##

1. 1. See Also ##

• License manager
• Product activation
• Software license
• Systems management
• System administration
• Key server (software licensing)