Definition
An IT licence enables to use a software or utilization within the frame of manners which is predefined by the originator. The originator can allow users in individual cases to use the program in different kind-of-use. This given right is called servitude. In this case you can refer to servitude as “licences”.
Proprietary software
The term “proprietary” is in the area of software licences equivalent to “copyrighted”. Consequently proprietary programs may just be used with a licence agreement.
Even open-source programs, e.g. programs with a General Public Licence, are proprietary software, because they were (obviously) licensed and are subject to restrictions.
Major and minor versions
Each software is basically delivered as a so called major-version. Each major-version contains special possible applications. Naturally the latest major-version can do more than the previous major-version. The publisher releases usually updates within the major-version, so called minor-versions, which should fix mistakes and assure safety. In numbers it could be displayed like in the following way: the current major-version is labelled 6.0, therefore the first minor-version would be labelled 6.1, the second 6.2 and so on. The next major-version would be commence with 7.0.
Your licence authorize you for just a certain major-version and the corresponding minor-versions. Normally you are not entitled to claim the latest major-version. In this case the software supplier has special licence upgrades ready. A licence upgrade refers to a major-version and is just working in combination with the corresponding licence. Licence updated are cheaper than a complete new licence because of the customer connectivity.
Licence agreements
The licence agreements of the software provider indicate the conditions and rules for the legal usage of the program.
Individual Licence
With an individual licence the user has the right to use the program/software on exactly one workplace of the end user.
Multiple Licence
With a multiple licence the user has the right to use the program/software on several computers at the same time.
Developing Licence
With a developing licence the user has the right to use the program/software to develop new program parts, modules or applications.
Processor-/ CPU-Licence
At the CPU-licence the authority of usage of the program/software refers to just one certain processor.
For one thing the processor-licence should prevent the passing on of the program/software, for another thing there should follow a further reward if the hardware is raised.
Cluster Licence
A Cluster licence are licences that doesn’t restrict the usage of the program/software to one server but they permit the usage to a bundling of a previous fixed number of individual computers.
Floating Licence
With a floating licence the number of users, which have access to the program/software at a time, is determined.
The cluster licence is often combined with the floating licence.
Update Licence
With an update licence the user just buys the update or the minor-version of a program/software.
Consequently the user doesn’t have the right to use older versions of the program/software.
Partial use Licence
The partial use licence determines which parts of a software-package may be used.
General Public Licence (GPL)
GPL is published from the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and is a free-software-licence with copy left for licencing of free software to unify and share free accessible software. The GPL allows to copy and share the licence. But it’s forbidden to change or modify the text of the licence. This ensures that the rights and duties, which are guaranteed by the GPL, can’t be restricted.
The FSF allows the creation of new licences based on the GPL, as long as they don’t refer to the GNU-project.