Why buy used software?
Equipping yourself with new software represents a significant cost for a small business. However, acquiring new software and updating existing software is necessary for companies. However, some organizations pay a high price for new licenses, while others accumulate software that they no longer use but that could still be useful. Authorized in Europe since 2012 by a ruling of the European Court of Justice, the sale of software license and the purchase of used software was still timid compared to our German neighbors. The reason for this restraint is the fear of being rejected by software publishers during a software compliance audit... and of having to pay a potentially high bill. But buy-and-sell is on the rise, encouraged by the constant pressure on IT budgets. Buying companies are also beginning to see the value of saving money in a secure way, and potential sellers are beginning to see the value of dormant assets. What are the benefits of buying used software and how do you go about it?
What are the advantages of buying and selling used software?
Changing your IT solution to keep your software up to date can be costly and technically complex to implement. Here are the main reasons why SMBs should consider the secondary market.
- Save up to 80% on approved licenses.
Purchasing used licenses can represent millions of euros in savings on large volumes. Renowned players such as the SNCF, with high security stakes, have been able to make significant savings thanks to the purchase of second-hand software. This is a major competitive challenge for this company, which is undergoing major changes. In addition, it avoids the additional costs associated with changes in software roadmaps, as maintenance costs tend to increase each year.
- Allow a legal and secure alternative.
The purchase of used software is now completely legal. To ensure maximum security, it is crucial to ensure the validity of the licenses.
- Diversify your software park.
Mixing used, less expensive equipment with new allows for more flexibility in an audit perspective.
- Rationalize its fleet as close as possible to the real needs of users.
Telecommuting has profoundly changed the game by redistributing needs. In a context where software prices are skyrocketing, it is important to manage your licenses with an optimal quality/price ratio.
For CIOs, the benefits of selling a software license are also significant:
- Avoid internal over-licensing and optimize the utilization rate as close to the field as possible
- Control costs through savings and revenues generated by the resale of its assets
- Opt for a more flexible model that mixes new and used
What tips do you have for considering buying used software?
In order to take advantage of the benefits of buying used software, companies must take certain precautions:
- Anticipate and choose a partner carefully
Studying the market and your own needs is crucial for CIOs who are at the heart of both financial and security issues. It will also allow them to have a broader vision of the possible options.
- Defend the project internally
It will also be a matter of supporting the change project internally and reassuring the teams about the reliability of the licences.
- Go through a test phase if necessary
Starting with a test phase will allow the alternative to be deployed on a part of the fleet and to observe the effects both financially and in terms of implementation
- Ensure the quality of the partner
A collaboration with a partner who is an expert in his field and who puts support, quality and listening at the centre of the relationship is fundamental.
As such, Softcorner has helped many companies save money by focusing on product compliance and a trusting relationship with buyers. This encourages companies to consider purchasing used software for the future!
