In the following article, we analyze the different software license types currently available on the market, briefly comparing them with each other. We also explore why it is possible to resell licenses on the market after the initial acquisition. Additionally, we delve into what does OEM mean and discuss the risks of using and purchasing pirated or unofficial software-house licenses.

Software license types

• Retail licenses, whether for Windows, Office, or other software, are often available in both physical (boxed) and electronic (ESD) formats. Retail ESD licenses are purchased online and provide a digital download link or product key for immediate installation. Users can download the software from the internet and activate it using the provided key.
  
• OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) licenses, particularly for Windows, may also be distributed through electronic software distribution. When you purchase a new computer, the Windows operating system is often pre-installed on the device using OEM software. This means that Windows is electronically distributed and installed on the computer at the manufacturing stage.
• Volume licenses: volume licensing agreements, which are typically used by businesses and organizations, often involve ESD for software deployment. Organizations receive digital copies of software, such as Windows, Office, or server software, through electronic distribution channels as part of their volume licensing agreement. ESD allows for efficient and centralized software deployment across multiple devices.

What are ESD licenses?

ESD stands for “Electronic Software Distribution”. It’s a term commonly used in the context of software distribution and licensing and can be relevant to discussing different software license types, including retail, OEM software, and volume licenses.

ESD refers to the digital distribution of software, where the software is delivered electronically over the internet or through other digital means, rather than being distributed physically on physical media like CDs or DVDs.

What are “bind” and “non-bind” licenses?

Bind to (Tied to Microsoft Account, transferable):
Some Microsoft product keys, especially those associated with retail or digital downloads, can be associated with a Microsoft account during activation. 

This allows users to reinstall and transfer the software to a different computer by deactivating it on the old computer and reactivating it on the new one.

Non-Bind (Tied to Hardware, non-transferable):
OEM licenses for Windows and certain other Microsoft products are often “non-bind” to a Microsoft account. 

They are tied to the specific hardware on which they were originally installed by the OEM. These licenses are typically non-transferable to other computers.

The key distinction here is whether the product key can be associated with a Microsoft account, which often indicates transferability, or if it’s tightly bound to the original hardware.

What is Primelicense and what do we do

Primelicense is an online store specializing in selling genuine software license keys for popular digitally downloaded software (ESD), such as Microsoft Office or Windows. 

It offers competitive prices for these software licenses, leveraging the 2012 ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) that allows for such resales.

PrimeLicense distinguishes itself by offering valuable benefits to customers:

• Free Technical Support: PrimeLicense provides free technical support throughout the entire process, from downloading the software to installation and activation. This support ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.
• TrustedShops Warranty: PrimeLicense offers a TrustedShops warranty, assuring customers of the legitimacy and authenticity of the licenses they sell. This warranty provides peace of mind for buyers, knowing they are acquiring genuine and lawful software.
• Safe Payments and Immediate Delivery: PrimeLicense ensures secure payment methods, protecting your financial information during the purchase process. Plus, you can expect immediate delivery of your software license keys after purchasing, allowing you to start using your software without delay.

Understanding Software Piracy

Pirate software refers to unauthorized or illegal copies of software. 

It’s when someone uses, copies, or distributes software without the proper permission or a valid license from the software’s developer or owner. 

Software piracy, simply put, refers to the unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of software without proper licensing or permissions from the copyright holder.

The risk in downloading and installing pirated licence

Using pirated or unauthorized licenses on a computer can pose various risks and consequences for the customer’s side. 

It’s essential to understand these risks before considering or using such software:

1. Legal Consequences: perhaps the most significant risk is the potential for legal consequences. Using pirated software is illegal and can result in civil and criminal penalties, including fines and even imprisonment, depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the violation.
2. Security Vulnerabilities: pirated software often lacks the security updates and patches provided by legitimate vendors. This can leave your computer vulnerable to malware, viruses, and other security threats that can compromise your data and privacy.
3. Data Loss: unlicensed software may be unstable or unreliable, increasing the risk of system crashes and data loss. This can lead to business disruptions, financial losses, and data recovery expenses.
4.  Lack of Support: unauthorized software typically does not come with official customer support. If you encounter issues or need assistance, you won’t be able to rely on the software vendor for help, which can be particularly problematic for businesses.
5. Compromised Functionality: some pirated software may have features disabled, limited functionality, or be bundled with malicious code. This can hinder your ability to use the software effectively.
6. Reputation Damage: using pirated software can harm your reputation, especially in business environments. Customers, partners, and investors may view such actions as unethical and untrustworthy.
7. Costly Audits and Legal Actions: for businesses, using pirated software can result in costly audits by software vendors or industry organizations. If violations are discovered, companies may face hefty fines and legal action.
8. Incompatibility Issues: pirated software may not work seamlessly with other legitimate software applications, leading to compatibility problems and decreased productivity.
9. Limited Access to Updates: you won’t have access to legitimate updates, bug fixes, and new features provided by the software vendor. This can hinder your ability to keep up with industry standards and technological advancements.
10. Difficulty in License Compliance: managing software licenses is often complex. Using unauthorized software can interfere with the tracking of licenses and stay compliant with software usage agreements.
11. Loss of Warranty: if your computer hardware experiences issues and the pirated software contributed to the problem, you may void warranties on your hardware.

Conclusions

In summary, using pirated software can have severe consequences, including legal, security, financial and reputational risks. It is strongly recommended to use only licensed and legitimate software to avoid these risks and ensure a safe and compliant computing environment.