Licensing and Subscription in SCADA Systems
Licensing and Subscription in SCADA Systems, which manage industrial operations, are important processes. It can also be called a strategic decision. System licenses are an important point in industrial automation projects. These systems determine the sustainability of the system. However, the wrong choice can lead to additional expenses in the long run. SCADA licenses offer fixed or flexible models. In general, more flexible and cloud-based options are now popular. Companies should choose the model that best suits their needs. Therefore, sector needs should be carefully analyzed.
What is SCADA Licensing?
So, what is SCADA licensing? What does it cover? SCADA licensing, in its basic sense, defines usage rights and limitations. License models determine the limits of which scopes the software will operate. The number of users, access authorization and limits, and TAG limits affect the selection of license models.
SCADA software is expensive and complex. Therefore, licensing and license terms are very important. Licenses are usually issued by authorized dealers. The licensing system depends on the size of the system in operation. The features to be used also determine the type of license. The correct license model helps protect the investment. As Reltek Enerji, we provide professional consultancy in this process and find the most suitable solution for your operational needs in the licensing process.
What are the SCADA License Types?
There are many different SCADA and SCADA license types on the market. Therefore, the question “What are the SCADA license types?” gains a different importance. As in many businesses, project, sector, operation and working models reveal different needs in SCADA licensing. Therefore, the answers also vary. The most common license type is the perpetual license model. However, subscription-based licenses are also frequently preferred. Licenses are usually server or client based. Apart from these, there are also licenses protected by a hardware key (dongle) and licenses based on the number of tags.
Licensing and Subscription Options in SCADA Systems
Licensing and subscription options in SCADA systems are based on two main models: perpetual license and subscription. A perpetual license gives a sense of ownership. It can create a high initial cost, but it is a more economical choice in the long run. Large industrial facilities can sustain permanent licenses. Subscription models, another model, offer a low entry cost. Moreover, it provides more scalability. Small and medium-sized projects may prefer subscription. Undoubtedly, each option has its own advantages. Companies should carefully evaluate these options.
Perpetual SCADA Licenses
Perpetual SCADA licenses are a one-time investment. The initial cost is usually high. However, it can provide cost advantages in the long run. With the perpetual SCADA license type, you own the software. In this model, system control remains entirely with you. Perpetual licenses are generally used in local (on-premise) installations. It is mostly preferred in long-term projects. The important point here is that maintenance and support agreements must be purchased separately. In other words, maintenance and update processes are planned separately. Old and well-established systems prefer this license. As Reltek Enerji, we have successfully implemented this model in many projects and provided our customers with seamless services.
Subscription-Based SCADA Licenses
Subscription-based SCADA licenses, which are another license model, are becoming increasingly popular. In this model, users make regular payments to access the software. This payment can be monthly or annually. This creates payment convenience and investment cost reduction advantages for companies. Subscriptions are generally suitable for cloud-based systems. It significantly reduces the initial cost. Scaling is much easier in this model. Businesses can make instant capacity increases. In addition, software updates become constantly accessible. Because updates and support are mostly included in the fee. It is ideal especially for small or growing businesses.
How are SCADA Licensing Models Determined?
In light of all these models and details, it is also necessary to explain “How are SCADA licensing models determined?” A multi-dimensional assessment is required to give the correct answer to this question. Many different criteria are taken into consideration. These criteria are generally as follows:
- Number of I/O points in the system
- Number of users
- Criticality level of the system
- Which industry standard to comply with
SCADA Licensing by Tag Count
SCADA licensing by tag count is the most common approach. A tag represents a data point in the system. Each sensor, relay or value is a tag. The license cost is directly proportional to the number of tags. In other words, larger systems pay more. This model offers fair pricing. The user only pays for the capacity they need. Exceeding the tag limit creates additional costs. Planning is therefore very important. An important point here is to work with the right company and prevent unnecessary tag usage and costs.
SCADA Licenses by Number of Users
Another license model is models that can be selected according to the number of users. SCADA licenses based on the number of users are especially preferred in jobs that require management and monitoring. The license cost depends on the number of people accessing the system at the same time. User-based licenses offer flexibility. Each user’s authorization is defined more clearly. This feature also increases structural authorization security and provides an advantage in terms of security. It also organizes multiple operation teams. For example, it is suitable for shift workers. Mobile access licenses are also important in this model. Changes in the number of authorized operators affect the license.
Update and Support in SCADA Subscription Systems
It is critical to receive updates in SCADA systems and find support when needed. As we mentioned above, these services are usually included in subscription-based licenses. This provides great convenience and confidence for businesses. The latest security patches are applied immediately. New features are automatically added to the system. Technical support needs are met quickly. This ensures that the system runs smoothly. In perpetual licenses, these services are subject to an additional fee. These updates are requested by the company and purchased with an additional payment, according to the agreement or need.
Factors Affecting SCADA License Prices
Many variables are among the factors affecting SCADA license prices. However, capacity and support level are at the top of these factors. Here, the number of I/O points is the biggest factor. The number of modules to be used is also very decisive. For example, reporting or analysis modules. Whether the license is perpetual or subscription is decisive. Redundancy (redundancy) requirement increases the cost. Industrial protocol support can also affect the price. The level of support purchased is also important.
SCADA License Selection for Small and Large Scale Projects
SCADA license selection differs for small and large scale projects. The size of the projects directly affects the license costs. In general, small projects can consider the subscription model. Low initial cost provides a great advantage for companies. Large projects, on the other hand, may prefer a perpetual license. Because these types of structures and companies look for fixed and predictable costs.
What are the Advantages of SCADA Systems?
- Advantages of Subscription-Based SCADA Licenses
- Requires low initial investment (OPEX instead of CAPEX).
- System capacity can be scaled easily and quickly.
- Software updates and patches are provided continuously.
- Maintenance and support costs are usually included in the subscription and are fixed.
- Budget management becomes easier, total cost of ownership (TCO) is predictable.
- Advantages of Perpetual SCADA Licenses
- Ownership of the software passes to the company with a single purchase.
- Total cost of ownership (TCO) may be lower in the long run.
- System control remains entirely within the company, especially for sensitive and local (on-premise) systems.
- The usage period of the software is unlimited (there is no recurring license fee).
SCADA System Upgrades and License Transfer Processes
SCADA system upgrades and license transfer processes must be planned carefully. Upgrades are costly in perpetual licenses. Because the license needs to be transferred to the new hardware. Upgrading is much simpler in subscriptions. It usually happens automatically. License transfer procedures vary depending on the manufacturer. Protecting data integrity is very important in this process. A planned transition system must be implemented. The competence of the company providing services at these times is very important. As Reltek Enerji, we offer professional and seamless services to our customers in this sense.
Cloud and Licensing Differences in SCADA Systems
Cloud and licensing differences are significant in SCADA systems. Local systems usually require a perpetual license. Cloud-based systems use subscriptions. The cloud increases flexibility and facilitates access. Local installations provide more control. Licensing cost is more transparent in the cloud. Security and data sovereignty preference is important. We offer services for both systems.