Consumer behavior is shifting, and many find the convenience of subscription appealing. From streaming television and music to meal preparation and household cleaning products, consumers now subscribe to almost everything. It is convenient. It is easy to just enter in your credit card and have a service delivered to you. Software is no exception. Over the last decade, we have seen software companies making the shift from traditional licensing to a subscription model. Experts are estimating that by 2023, 53% of all software revenue will come from subscriptions.
Why the shift?
It isn’t just the consumers driving this change. Companies are increasingly switching to a subscription-based revenue model. Subscriptions mean a consistent source of revenue that businesses can depend on. It isn’t just beneficial for businesses, however. Subscription based software also allows for affordability with a lower barrier to entry. Rather than a large sum paid out for a piece of software, you pay smaller amounts over time. Add in no-long term contracts, and it is easy to see the appeal of this software purchase option for the consumer.
Perpetual Licensing
Perpetual licensing is the more traditional model we are all familiar with. You pay a fee up-front for the right to use the software indefinitely. While this may sound like the more appealing option, there are limitations. Typically, the license may include some limited support and updates for a short time frame. Once that time is up, you no longer have access to those updates or support. Additionally, the software may be tied to a particular piece of hardware. If you upgrade that hardware, you are left having to re-purchase the same software. That can get expensive. Often a perpetual license comes at a large price tag. This barrier to entry can be cost prohibitive for small or start-up businesses.
Subscription Licensing
With software subscriptions, consumers pay a monthly or yearly fee for access to the software. Sometimes there is a per-user fee. While subscribed, users can use the software and have access to support and updates, indefinitely. The subscription is typically tied to a user, not a piece of hardware. Meaning, you can continue using the software, even if you upgrade your hardware or change your system entirely. The up-front subscription fee is typically much lower than a traditional license, making it more affordable to get started.
ATM Software Subscription
With the move to software subscription happening everywhere, it should come as no surprise to learn that most major ATM manufacturers are doing the same thing. To streamline software offerings, subscription offers a much more common industry practice. Edge One always strives to be on the cutting edge with our hardware and software offerings. We have already begun updating some of our software offerings to reflect these changes. As always, we work to provide our customers with top-notch value and service.
Edge One’s Software Subscription Value
Simplification: Simpler product structures mean you only pay for what you use. No need to re-purchase every few years.
Entitlement: License transferability is now permitted on subscriptions. Licenses are no longer tied to individual hardware. this means there is no need to buy new licenses when hardware is replaced.
Flexibility: Simpler fleet management. Add/remove hardware, software options, or products. Adjust your subscription based on your needs. This provides a flexibility that legacy perpetual licensing didn’t have.
Choose Edge One for Your ATM Software
Edge One has always brought to the table a comprehensive list of offerings to keep your fleet in top shape. We have the latest in software offerings and software maintenance to keep you up to date and running smoothly. Our Compliance Audit Program ensures you remain PCI compliant. And, if you want to focus less on your ATMs functionality and more on running your business, Edge One’s ATM Management Program delivers. To find out more, Contact Us at 800-423-3343(EDGE)
