Backup and Utility Software Licenses

Server, desktop or virtual: which machine the license covers

Backup utilities license each protected machine, and the type must fit it. Titles name the platform, such as Server for Windows, Server for Linux, Desktop or Windows-Virtual, and a license for one platform will not cover another. Virtual machine licenses count per VM in some products and per host or instance in others, so read how the vendor counts. Quantity bands such as 1 to 9 or 20 to 99 show how many machines the license covers.

Maintenance, renewal and support level

'Maint' in a title means maintenance: updates and support for software you already run, not a new product. A renewal listing extends an existing contract, usually for another year, so check that you have an active base license and that the product name and quantity match it. Support levels also vary, from production support to round-the-clock coverage, and the title states which one. Keep the contract end date in view, because updates and support stop when it lapses.

Questions about Backup and Utility Software Licenses

Can I use a desktop backup license on a server?

Usually not. Desktop and server licenses are separate products, and the software checks the operating system. Choose the type that matches the machine, such as Windows Server, Linux or a virtual machine.

Is a maintenance listing the full software?

No. Maintenance covers updates and support for a product you already own or run. If you need the software itself, look for a license or subscription listing that names the full product.

How do I count virtual machines for a backup license?

Follow the vendor's counting rule shown in the title: some licenses cover each VM, others a set number of instances or hosts. When in doubt, count every VM you want to protect.