Gartner Conducts a Study on the European Second-Hand Software License Market

The Gartner firm published a study in early January 2021 on how to reduce costs and create cash flow with the European secondary software license market[1]. The report is based on an observation: the need for companies to optimize their costs to mitigate the consequences of the 2020 health crisis. Here are the three key ideas to remember.

1/ A Regulated and Controlled Legal Framework

Gartner does not fail to remind the legal framework that applies to this market and to present the legal obligations of each stakeholder. Thus, your provider will have to carry out several preliminary checks to verify the eligibility of the proposed licenses and ensure the security of transactions.

2/ An Essential Alternative to Reduce Your Costs

The software market is undergoing a dual movement: on one hand, companies display strong needs, particularly regarding collaboration solutions, and on the other, the prices charged by publishers have never been higher. The secondary market thus represents a legal and multi-vendor alternative to the official market.

“Purchasing second-hand licenses constitutes a less expensive alternative to perpetual licenses. […] The price difference becomes even more significant in the case of older versions (with a support policy adapted to your needs).”

3/ An Alternative to Generate Profit

An interesting point in this study: Gartner also highlights the interest of reselling your unused licenses on the secondary market. A well-regulated process that allows you to recover money and stop unnecessary expenses.

“You will generate cash flow, but you can also reduce your maintenance costs […] by up to 50%. You can also use the profits generated by these sales to finance your transition to the subscription model or the cloud.”

Download the Gartner study

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[1] Original title of the Gartner study: Cut Costs and Create Cash Flow With the European Secondary Software License Market