When you buy software, you usually have two choices:a  single purchase (perpetual license) or you pay monthly to use the software (subscription). As subscriptions are becoming more and more common, this article explains what a perpetual license means.

What is perpetual licensing?

A perpetual license is a contract that gives you permanent rights to use software after paying once. You can keep using that specific version, there’s no expiration date. Much like when you purchase a vinyl record, you can use it for as long as you want.

This perpetual license definition differs from subscriptions, where you pay to keep access. Perpetual licensing was the standard before subscription models became popular. SimpleMind still offers the perpetual license because we believe you shouldn’t have to pay continuously to access your own thoughts.

Key features of a perpetual license

A perpetual version includes these core features:

  • One-time payment: You pay once for the perpetual license for software and never pay again.
  • No expiration: The permanent license doesn’t expire or need renewal.
  • Version-locked updates: You get the perpetual version you bought. Major upgrades are not included. SimpleMind however does offer all updates in the current 2.x version as free updates.
  • Offline access: SimpleMind works without an internet connection.
  • No recurring fees: The perpetual model has no monthly or annual license costs after sale.

Here are some examples of other perpetual software licensing:

  1. Microsoft Office 2021. A good example of a perpetual software license is Microsoft Office 2021. If you buy it under a perpetual license, you pay only once to use it.
  2. Adobe Photoshop CS6. Adobe sold CS6 as a perpetual software license before switching to subscriptions. Users paid once and kept that perpetual version.

How does the SimpleMind perpetual license work?

You make a one-time purchase per platform

You pay a single fee to own the license per platform. You do not pay a monthly or yearly fee. SimpleMind is available as:

  • SimpleMind for Mac
  • SimpleMind for Windows
  • SimpleMind for iPad&iPhone via Apple’s AppStore
  • SimpleMind for Android via Google Play

You pay only for the platform you want to use. Pay only for what you need, rather than paying for platforms you don’t own.

You get a specific version

The perpetual license applies to one software version. SimpleMind however offers all updates in this 2.x version as free updates.

Difference Direct edition and AppStore/Google Play

SimpleMind of Windows and SimpleMind for Mac(Direct Edition) can be purchased as the direct edition via the link on our website. After purchase make sure to safely store the delivery e-mail and the installer.

SimpleMind for iPad&iPhone and SimpleMind for Mac (AppStore Edition) are sold by Apple. AppStore terms and regulations apply and the license is tied to your Apple account.

SimpleMind for Android is sold by Google Play. Google Play terms and regulations apply and the license is tied to your Google account.

 

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By: Linda