Software measurement involves monitoring and regulating software usage, including the number of licenses being used, program access during certain periods, and payment based on usage. System administrators use software metering to ensure compliance with license terms and prevent unauthorized use.
Software measurement is a type of computer measurement system that can mean several things at once. The most common type of software metering is when a company measures the amount of software licenses in use and ensures that the number of licenses used is not being abused. Other versions of this measurement include monitoring and prohibiting the use of programs during certain periods or allowing only a specific number of users to access the program simultaneously. Some programs also force users to pay based on how long they use a program, and this time must be properly measured. Ordinary users typically experience no problems or need to actively participate in software measurement, but larger companies may need to measure program usage.
The most common form of software measurement is done by the software creator to monitor the amount of active licenses. When someone buys or downloads a program, that software comes with a license, even if the program is freeware. This license is like an agreement that outlines the terms of use and also guarantees that the user is using a legal version of the program. Some programs come with multiple licenses, allowing the user to install the program on multiple computers. The software company must monitor and update these licenses if the program terms change and must ensure that the number of licenses does not exceed the maximum specified under the software terms.
System administrators can use software metering to monitor all active computers during business hours to ensure that all currently running programs are allowed according to the protocol and that the user is productive. This type of monitoring allows the administrator to check whether prohibited programs, such as games, are being used by any computer. The administrator can also access a specific computer and prevent it from launching prohibited programs until a certain time, such as after working hours.
Some programs can only be used in certain periods or by a certain number of users at the same time. Going outside the time or number of users can go against the software license for high-end or enterprise-level programs, making it illegal to use. System administrators use software monitoring to ensure that no one goes outside these terms and typically prohibit use outside these terms by limiting the number of users or preventing the software from starting during prohibited hours.
There are some programs that have to be paid based on how long the program has been used. In this scheme, the system administrator and software distributor typically invoke software monitoring to verify the amount of usage. This keeps the software legal and also ensures that the distributor is paid fairly based on how long you use the program.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
