Gartner dedicates a study to the European second-hand software license market

In early January 2021, the firm Gartner published a study on how to reduce costs and create cash flow streams with the European secondary software license market. The report is based on a finding: 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 legal framework that is regulated and monitored

Gartner does not fail to remind of the legal framework that applies to this market and to present the legal obligations of each of the stakeholders. Thus, your provider will have to carry out a number of checks beforehand to verify the eligibility of the offered licenses and ensure the security of transactions.

2/ An essential alternative for reducing your costs

The software market is experiencing a dual movement: on one side, companies have strong needs, particularly regarding collaboration solutions, and on the other, the prices applied by publishers have never been so high. The secondary market thus represents a legal multi-vendor alternative to the official market.

“Purchasing second-hand licenses is a less costly 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 for generating profit

An interesting point in this study: Gartner also highlights the interest of reselling your unused licenses on the secondary market. A well-controlled process that allows you to recoup 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 fund your transition to the subscription model or the cloud.”

Download the Gartner study

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