Subscription Software Licensing: The Future Is Now

This IDC study presents IDC's recommendations for vendors that are considering offering a subscription licensing option for customers. In particular, the focus is on vendors that have historically offered perpetual licensing as their predominate approach.

"While the ideal time to start transitioning toward flexible licensing models like subscription was probably three to four years ago, major licensing changes within established software companies happen at a glacial pace and there is probably still time to play catch-up," says Amy Konary, program director for Software Pricing, Licensing, and Delivery research at IDC. "The key for vendors considering making changes to their licensing approach is to focus on the needs of existing and future customers."