| Typical Licensing Programs | Transactional License Program | Contractual License Program | Subscription License Program |
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| Program type? | Transactional (non-contractual) | Contractual | Contractual |
| Organizations served? | Generally aimed at any-sized organization who wants the maximum flexibility in a licensing program | Generally aimed at medium to large organizations that are able to commit to purchase requirements to get greater discounts | Generally aimed at any-sized organization that prefers to rent rather than own software rights |
| Key benefits? | Often gives you the benefit of volume pricing with little or no purchasing commitments or other program requirements | Discount levels are often based on "points" which may be cumulative over the term of the program and earn higher discount levels based on volume over time | Generally, renting access to software rather than owning licenses outright makes it more affordable; you generally have access to upgrade and technical support as part of your subscription |
| Signed contract required? | No — transactional programs generally apply on a transaction-by transaction basis, and don’t require contracts | Usually — some programs require paper contracts, others only require electronic agreement | Sometimes there is a subscription contract; often not |
| Term? | Usually there is no term associated with these programs — each transaction is treated individually | The term of the program is usually specified between 1 and 3 years | The term of the subscription is usually specified between 1 and 3 years; sometimes multi-year subscriptions are available at discount compared to 1-year subscriptions |
| Forecasting required? | No | Sometimes discount levels are based on forecasted needs | No |
| Minimum purchase requirement? | No — with some programs you enjoy a standard discount level; with others, your order size may determine your discount level | Yes — usually there is a minimum initial order size specified | Usually the minimum purchase is one subscription |
| Minimum reorder? | No — the applicable discount level is applied to each transaction | Sometimes a minimum reorder is specified, sometimes not; often discount level improves by volume purchased over the term of the program | No — usually there are no minimums; in some cases, you get better pricing based on the number of subscriptions you order |
| Upgrade protection? | Typically upgrade protection is available for purchase, though it may be included in some cases | Typically upgrade protection is available for purchase, though it may be included in some cases | Often upgrade support is an included benefit of the program; sometimes it is available for purchase |
| Technical support? | Typically technical support is available for purchase, though it may be included in some cases | Typically technical support is available for purchase, though it may be included in some cases | Often technical support is an included benefit of the program; sometimes it is available for purchase |
| Media? | Often Electronic Software Download (ESD) is included and CD media is available for purchase; sometimes both ESD and CDs must be purchased separately | Often Electronic Software Download (ESD) is included and CD media is available for purchase; sometimes both ESD and CDs must be purchased separately | Often media is not applicable to these programs; if applicable, it is usually available for Electronic Software Download (ESD) and sometimes available for purchase on CD |
