SaaS Pricing vs Perpetual (Difference Between SaaS Subscription License Model vs  Perpetually Licensed Software)

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, businesses need to adopt the best software solutions to stay ahead of the competition. One of the crucial decisions that companies face is choosing between Software as a Service SaaS pricing vs perpetual licensing models.

This article will discuss the differences between these two models, their pros and cons, and help you make an informed decision for your business.

Difference Between Subscription Model (SaaS Subscription) vs Perpetual License Model

Software licensing models can be divided into two categories: perpetual licensing and subscription licensing. Perpetual licensing allows an individual to use a software program for an indefinite period of time, with payment usually made one time and upfront at the beginning of the term of the license.

On the other hand, subscription licensing involves recurring payments, typically monthly or yearly, and customers pay a recurring subscription fee to access a software as a service (SaaS) product.

The main difference between the two licensing models is the relationship between the fee that customers pay to software companies and the access they gain to the software. In the perpetual licensing model, the software is provisioned with a one-time payment, along with the option of a yearly maintenance fee. In contrast, the subscription model involves ongoing payments, and end-users will have access to the product and technical support as long as their subscription is active. The upfront cost of buying a perpetual license is typically higher than buying a SaaS solution.

However, in the long run, the perpetual licensing model may be less expensive than a subscription-based approach. This is because the lower upfront costs in the SaaS model make it easier to entice customers to try the solution, but ongoing payments can add up over time.

SaaS Pricing: Subscription Pricing Model

SaaS pricing is a subscription-based model where users pay a recurring fee, typically monthly or annually, to access the software. The software is hosted on the cloud, and users can access it through a web browser. This model has gained popularity in recent years due to its flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Pros of SaaS Pricing

1. Lower Upfront Costs: SaaS pricing typically involves lower initial costs as there is no need to purchase expensive hardware or invest in infrastructure. Users also save on installation and maintenance costs.
2. Scalability: Businesses can easily scale up or down based on their needs, by simply changing their subscription plans. This flexibility allows companies to grow without worrying about outgrowing their software.
3. Automatic Updates: SaaS providers handle updates and bug fixes, ensuring that users always have access to the latest features and security patches.
4. Accessibility: Since the software is hosted on the cloud, users can access it from anywhere with an internet connection, making it ideal for remote teams and flexible working arrangements.
5. Predictable Expenses: With SaaS pricing, businesses can better predict their expenses, as they pay a fixed fee each month or year.

Cons of SaaS Pricing

1. Ongoing Costs: While upfront costs are lower, businesses must continue paying the subscription fee as long as they use the software. Over time, this can result in higher overall costs compared to perpetual licensing.
2. Dependency on Internet: SaaS solutions rely on a stable internet connection, which can be a drawback for businesses with unreliable connectivity.
3. Limited Customization: Some SaaS providers may not offer extensive customization options, which could be a disadvantage for businesses with unique needs.

Perpetual Licensing: One-time Software License Payment Model

Perpetual licensing involves a one-time payment for the software, allowing users to access it indefinitely. This model has been around for decades and is still used by many software providers today.

Pros of Perpetual Licensing

1. Ownership: With perpetual licensing, businesses own the software and can use it for an unlimited time without any additional fees.
2. No Recurring Costs: After the initial payment, there are no ongoing expenses, making it easier for businesses to manage their budgets.
3. Offline Access: Unlike SaaS solutions, perpetual licenses usually do not require an internet connection, allowing users to access the software even when offline.
4. Customization: Perpetual licenses often come with more customization options, enabling businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs.

Cons of Perpetual Licensing

1. Higher Upfront Costs: Purchasing a perpetual license requires a substantial initial investment, which may be challenging for small businesses or startups.
2. Maintenance and Upgrades: Businesses are responsible for maintaining the software and may need to pay extra for updates and support services.
3. Lack of Flexibility: Scaling up or down can be more difficult with perpetual licenses, as businesses may need to purchase additional licenses or invest in new hardware.

Perpetually Licensed Model vs Subscription License: Making the Decision

When choosing between a perpetually licensed model and a subscription software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, businesses should weigh several factors that can impact their operations’ efficiency and effectiveness over time.

Some of these factors include budget constraints, scalability, customization, maintenance and support, and accessibility.

1. Budget: Businesses should think about their initial budget and ongoing financial strategy before selecting a licensing model. SaaS pricing typically offers lower upfront costs and ongoing monthly or annual payments, which can be more attractive for businesses looking for an affordable entry point. Perpetual licenses, on the other hand, require a larger initial investment but eliminate recurring expenses. Organizations should estimate the total cost of ownership for each model over an extended period, considering aspects like upgrades, maintenance, and support.
2. Scalability: If a company anticipates rapid growth or significant changes in its operations, it may benefit from the flexibility offered by SaaS solutions. These models enable businesses to easily add or remove users, functionality, and storage with minimal effort, providing a smoother and more efficient scaling process. A perpetual license may be more restrictive in adapting to such changes because it is tied to a specific version of the software.
3. Customization: Different businesses have specific requirements based on their industry, customer type, or internal processes. Assess how much customization you will need for your software solution. Perpetual licenses often offer greater possibilities for customization, while SaaS products may limit the options or charge extra for custom features. If extensive customization is necessary, a perpetual license may be a better fit.
4. Maintenance and Support: Keeping your software updated and secure can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. Evaluate your organization’s ability to handle software maintenance, bug fixes, and updates internally. With a SaaS model, the software providers manage these tasks, easing the burden on internal resources. In contrast, a perpetually licensed model typically places the responsibility of software maintenance on the user, which may require additional investments in IT support.
5. Accessibility: The business environment is becoming increasingly connected, and remote work or online collaboration among team members is becoming an essential part of many operations. SaaS solutions often provide better accessibility, as they are cloud-based and available from any internet-connected device. This allows for seamless collaboration, real-time data updates, and easy access for users in geographically dispersed locations. Perpetual licenses may be limited to specific devices or networks, making remote access and collaboration a challenge.

Real-world Examples: Perpetual License vs SaaS Licensing

To better understand the differences between these two models, let’s look at some real-world examples:

1. Adobe Creative Cloud (SaaS) vs Adobe Creative Suite (Perpetual): Adobe transitioned from its perpetual licensing model with Creative Suite to a SaaS pricing model with Creative Cloud. Users now pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to access their suite of design tools, benefiting from automatic updates, cloud storage, and improved collaboration features.
2. Microsoft Office 365 (SaaS) vs Microsoft Office (Perpetual): Microsoft offers both SaaS (Office 365) and perpetual (Office 2019) licensing options for its productivity suite. Office 365 provides users with regular updates, cloud storage, and additional applications, while Office 2019 is a one-time purchase with limited features and no upgrade options.
3. Autodesk AutoCAD (SaaS) vs AutoCAD (Perpetual): Autodesk, a leading design software provider, has also shifted from perpetual licenses to a SaaS pricing model. AutoCAD now offers subscription plans with features such as cloud storage, collaboration tools, and regular updates, while perpetual licenses are being phased out.

Conclusion: Which Model is Right for Your Business?

Ultimately, the decision between SaaS pricing and perpetual licensing depends on your business’s unique needs, resources, and growth plans.

SaaS pricing is often more attractive for businesses looking for lower upfront costs, flexibility, and automatic updates, while perpetual licensing might be a better fit for companies with specific customization requirements or limited internet connectivity.

By carefully evaluating the pros and cons of each model and considering factors such as budget, scalability, customization, maintenance, and accessibility, businesses can make an informed decision that best aligns with their long-term goals and strategies.