Application Software:

Computer software
Computer software, or just software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system. The term includes application software such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users, system software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide the necessary services for application software, and middleware which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.

System software
System software is any computer software which manages and controls computer hardware so that application software can perform a task. Operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X or Linux, are prominent examples of system software. System software contrasts with application software, which are programs that enable the end-user to perform specific, productive tasks, such as word processing or image manipulation. System software performs tasks like transferring data from memory to disk, or rendering text onto a display device. Specific kinds of system software include loading programs, Operating systems, device drivers, programming tools, compilers, assemblers, linkers, and utility software.

Programming software
Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include text editors, compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, and so on. An Integrated development environment (IDE) merges those tools into a software bundle, and a programmer may not need to type multiple commands for compiling, interpreting, debugging, tracing, and etc., because the IDE usually has an advanced graphical user interface, or GUI.

Application software
Application software allows end users to accomplish one or more specific (non-computer related) tasks. Typical applications include industrial automation, business software, educational software, medical software, databases, and computer games. Businesses are probably the biggest users of application software, but almost every field of human activity now uses some form of application software.

Custom software
Custom software (also known as Bespoke software) is a type of software that is developed either for a specific organization or function that differs from or is opposite of other already available software (also called off-the-shelf or COTS software). It is generally not targeted to the mass market, but usually created for companies, business entities, and organizations. Custom software is also when companies or governments pay for customized software for budget or project managing. Examples of bespoke software include ATMs and Supermarket checkout scanners. Other examples include many web sites and web-based applications.

Software license
A software license is a legal instrument governing the usage or redistribution of copyright protected software. A typical software license grants an end-user permission to use one or more copies of software in ways where such a use would otherwise constitute infringement of the software publisher's exclusive rights under copyright law. In effect, the software license acts as a promise from the software publisher to not sue the end-user for engaging in activities that would normally be considered exclusive rights belonging to the software publisher.

Acquiring Software Licenses

Software license grants an organization or individual the legal right to use the software. Software licensing policy formulated by the vendor also takes into account other factors like upgrades/updates, support (AMC), software piracy control, and the manner in which the software can be used. Vendors have devised their own unique policies to address such customer concerns. So does an organisation decide which is the most suitable licensing policy.

Acquiring Software Licenses

Licenses can be broadly classified into two categories'perpetual' and 'term license.' The perpetual license has no limitation on the period of usage, as the user owns the license. The term license has a limited period of validityabout one or two years. Licenses could be per seat (per desktop) or per server or a combination of both. If a desktop needs to access multiple servers, per seat license would be more economical, than a per server license.

Free software
Free software or software libre is software that can be used, studied, and modified without restriction, and which can be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified form either without restriction, or with minimal restrictions only to ensure that further recipients can also do these things. In practice, for software to be distributed as free software, the human readable form of the program (the "source code") must be made available to the recipient along with a notice granting the above permissions. Such a notice is a "free software licence", or, in theory, could be a notice saying that the source code is released into the public domain.

Freeware
Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee. Freeware is often made available in a binaryonly, proprietary form, thus making it distinct from free software. Proprietary freeware allows authors to contribute something for the benefit of the community, while at the same time allowing them to retain control of the source code, future direction of development and preserve its business potential. Freeware is different from shareware, where the user is obliged to pay

When developers sell software they are actually not selling the software, they are selling a license that allows the user to use the software. Software licensing can take a number of different forms. Software can be licensed based on the number of computers that the software is loaded on or, as is common with network software the software can be licensed based on the number of users accessing the application. EULA = End User License Agreement Most applications require users to agree to the EULA terms during the installation process. The EULA limits the developers liability and explains how the software is licensed. Single License - A single user license is generally defined as a software license that can only be installed on a single system. Per Computer - One license for each computer the software is loaded on. Per User - Allows users to use software on "home" and "work" computers. Multi-User License - A multi-user license means that the license can be installed on multiple systems or possibly a network. Site License - All computers at a single physical location are licensed to run the software. Site licenses are popular with corporations and schools. Enterprise Site License - All computers within all offices of a company or school. Enterprise site license cover multiple locations or satellite offices of a company.

What is Licensing?
A software product license grants you the legal right to run or access a software program. A license agreement governs the use of licensed software. License agreements typically allow the software to run on a limited number of computers and allow copies to be made, though solely for backup purposes.

Microsoft Licensing Programs

Microsoft has several types of licensing programs designed to meet any of your business needs.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) OEM software, such as any Windows operating system, comes pre-installed on your new computer. Operating systems and other software applications are available through the OEM channel. Full Packaged Product (FPP) Retail FPP refers to new, boxed, shrink-wrapped software that is purchased in any retail store or through an online vendor. This type of software is best suited to personal or low-volume needs. For users running software on five or more machines, a volume licensing solution will save you both time and money. Microsoft Open License

Microsoft Licensing Programs

Open License is a volume licensing system designed for organizations purchasing five or more licenses for any given software application. Companies choosing the Open License option can access their license information at the secure Microsoft eOpen site. Open Business allows customers to save money over estimated retail prices by placing an initial order for five or more licenses at once. Using this method, customers can combine any set of Microsoft products to qualify for the five-license minimum. Open Volume can save you even more money if you are able to make a larger, initial order up front from one or more product pools such as applications, systems or servers. Open Value helps you stay current with Software Assurance (SA) and spreads payments annually when you place an initial order of five or more licenses. Choose the Company-Wide Option for additional savings. Microsoft Select License Select License* is a volume licensing program best suited for organizations with 250 or more PCs that are able to forecast software license acquisitions over a three-year period. Select License customers will receive a volume price level for each pool of product purchased (such as applications, systems or servers) based on a three-year software forecast.

Microsoft Enterprise Agreement

Enterprise Agreement* is a volume licensing program for organizations with 250 or more PCs that are looking to standardize certain products in order to receive special pricing. Enterprise Agreements can work two ways: Enterprise Agreement may be the best choice for organizations with 250 or more desktop PCs that are looking to standardize one or more Microsoft Platform Enterprise products (such as Office Professional, Windows Professional upgrade and Core Client Access License) based on a threeyear agreement term. Enterprise Subscription Agreement is for customers with 250 or more machines who prefer to license Microsoft software products on a subscription basis. This type of Agreement allows you to standardize on one or more Microsoft Platform Enterprise product based on a three-year agreement term.

Licensing Options
Microsoft offers a number of licensing options to meet your needs. If youre looking to acquire a new PC, the OEM option is your best bet. For smaller organizations or personal use where only a few licenses are needed, Full Packaged Product (FPP) or Retail is probably right for you. For larger organizations needing more than five licenses, one of our many Volume License Programs will suit your needs and save you money at the same time. This chart will help you determine which option is right for you. Once youve chosen the best option for your needs, contact an authorized Microsoft reseller to purchase your software.

Licensing Option

What is a Client Access License (CAL)?

If your company's workstations are networked, you will utilize a network server and the workstations on the network will access that server(s) software to perform certain functions such as file and print sharing. In order to legally access this server software, a client access license or CAL may be required. A CAL is not a software product; rather it is a license that gives a user the right to access the services of the server. Due to the technical nature of server products, CAL licensing can be a complicated area. We have created the following information to help you determine the need for CALs. This guide is for reference purposes only and should not be used for purchasing decisions. Before purchasing you should visit the "How to Buy" section for each product and consult your local reseller. The table below provides information on a variety of Microsoft Server products and the licensing of CALs as it relates to those products. Before you read about how CALs apply to each product, referring to the sections of this guide on "Per Seat", "Per Server", "Per Processor", and "Per User" licensing will be helpful.

Per Seat Licensing

With Per Seat licensing (sometimes referred to as "Per Device or Per User"), you need a separate CAL for each unique device (or user, if applicable) that accesses the server to avail of services such as file or print or to run Microsoft server applications. Once you choose to deploy a Microsoft server product in Per Seat mode, your choice is permanent. The following is a diagram illustrating Per Seat licensing:

Per Server Licensing

With Per Server licensing, a specified number of CALs are associated with a particular server. The number of devices that can legally access that server simultaneously is limited in Per Server licensing to the number of CALs purchased for that particular server. For example, if your organization chooses to deploy Microsoft Windows Server 2003 in Per Server mode, purchasing 50 CALs will allow up to 50 unique devices to be connected to that server simultaneously. Because CALs in Per Server deployments are not permanently associated with a specific device, if your organization adds another Windows Server, and remains deployed in Per Server mode, separate Windows Server CALs will be required to access the second server. With Per Server deployments, the system administrator designates the number of CALs that apply to the server during setup, based on the number that has been purchased for that server. The following is a diagram illustrating Per Server licensing:

Per Processor Licensing

Some of the server products are available Per Processor. Under the Per Processor model, you acquire a Processor License for each processor in the server on which the software is running. A Processor License includes access for an unlimited number of users to connect from either inside the local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN) or outside the firewall. You do not need to purchase additional server licenses, CALs, or Internet Connector Licenses.

Per Mailbox Licensing If you are an education customer using Exchange Server, you have the additional option of deploying licenses in Per Mailbox mode. With this model, you acquire one CAL for each unique mailbox accessing Exchange Server. If you choose the Per Mailbox mode, you may not later change to Per Seat mode. However, if you initially choose the Per Seat mode, you may transition one time only to Per Mailbox mode. This choice is then permanent.