Application Platforms, Delivery, and Licensing 2.2-1

What is a platform?

The operating system and hardware an application is compatible with.

What is a cross-platform application?

An application that runs on multiple types of hardware or operating systems.

What is application delivery?

The way software is provided to users, such as installation, mobile apps, or cloud services.

What is a software license?

A legal agreement defining how software can be installed, accessed, and used.

What is commercial software?

Software sold for profit, usually through a purchase or subscription.

What is proprietary software?

Software controlled by its creator, with restrictions on use and modification.

What is open-source software?

Software whose source code is available for users to use and modify.

What is freeware?

Software available at no cost that typically retains proprietary licensing.

What is shareware?

Software offered free as a trial that requires payment for continued or full use.

What is public-domain software?

Software with no ownership restrictions that anyone can use, modify, and share.

What is a subscription model?

Recurring monthly or annual payments to keep using software and receive updates and support.

What is a one-time purchase model?

A single upfront payment for indefinite use, often with limited future upgrades.

What is Software as a Service (SaaS)?

Cloud software accessed over the internet, usually through a browser and subscription.

What is an individual license?

A license granting one person the right to use software on limited devices.

What is a per-user license?

A license allowing a specified user or number of users to access software.

What is a per-seat license?

A license allowing software installation on a specified number of devices.

What is a site license?

A license allowing broad installation across an organization's devices.

What is volume licensing?

Licensing that allows organizations to provide software access to many users or devices.