Effective software license management is crucial for organizations to control software assets, comply with agreements, and optimize costs. It helps in understanding software usage, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and enhancing productivity. The complexity of modern IT infrastructures, with diverse licensing models and cloud applications, makes dedicated license management solutions essential.
This blog explores five leading license management solutions that can help organizations navigate this complex landscape of 2025: OpenLM, FlexNet Manager, Open iT LicenseAnalyzer, Altair (Siemens), and Reprise License Manager (RLM).
OpenLM: The leader in license optimization
OpenLM is a top-tier solution focused on optimizing software license utilization and reducing costs. It boasts extensive compatibility, supporting about 90 license managers, including FlexNet, DSLS, Bentley, IBM LUM, and more. Originally designed for ArcGIS users, OpenLM now supports a wide range of engineering and other software.
A key advantage of OpenLM is its broad license manager support, simplifying the management of diverse licensing technologies.It provides a unified platform for monitoring various systems, offering a consolidated view of software usage.
OpenLM significantly helps in cost optimization by identifying unused or underutilized licenses, enabling their reclamation and reallocation. Features like automated license harvesting further contribute to savings. OpenLM claims that new customers often save at least 15% within the first month of deploying the solution.
The platform offers real-time monitoring and reporting, allowing administrators to track software usage instantly. A centralized dashboard facilitates license management across various applications. OpenLM generates comprehensive reports on usage trends, aiding in data-driven decision-making and forecasting future needs.
OpenLM adheres to stringent security and compliance standards, supporting protocols like Active Directory Federation and holding certifications like GDPR and SOC 2.0 Type II. This commitment ensures the protection of sensitive software usage data.
OpenLM caters to a wide range of organizations, particularly in architecture, engineering, construction, automotive, media, and animation industries. Its users include IT Directors, Software Asset Managers, and GIS professionals.
The pricing structure is subscription-based, with different editions available, typically billed annually per user. Both cloud and on-premise deployment options are offered with competitive pricing.
FlexNet Manager: A comprehensive solution for enterprise needs
FlexNet Manager from Flexera is a comprehensive IT asset management solution with a strong focus on software license optimization and compliance. It is particularly suitable for large enterprises with complex licensing needs and significant investments in major software vendors.
A key strength is its extensive vendor support, including major players like Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, SAP, and Adobe. This broad compatibility makes it a powerful tool for managing diverse software portfolios. FlexNet Manager’s deep understanding of these vendors’ licensing complexities is a significant advantage.
FlexNet Manager offers robust features for license optimization and compliance. It reconciles installed software with purchased licenses and applies product use rights to minimize license consumption. The solution includes a vast SKU library, automating the matching of software inventory with entitlements.
The platform provides comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities. It includes built-in reports and allows for the creation of custom reports. Integration with Flexera Analytics offers deeper insights into software usage patterns.
FlexNet Manager also offers extensive integration capabilities with existing IT infrastructure, including CMDBs and ITSM solutions like ServiceNow. This ensures alignment of software asset management data with broader IT processes.
However, FlexNet Manager can be costly, especially for smaller businesses, with potential additional expenses for customization and maintenance. The solution is typically adopted by large enterprises across various industries managing a substantial volume of software licenses.
The cost structure is often not publicly disclosed and varies based on organizational size, complexity, and the features implemented. It may involve perpetual licenses, subscriptions, or a combination.
Open iT LicenseAnalyzer: Deep dive into usage analytics
Open iT LicenseAnalyzer focuses on providing advanced capabilities for metering, analyzing, and optimizing software usage across various applications, including license manager-enabled, standalone, and SaaS. Its core objective is to deliver deep, actionable insights into software asset utilization to reduce costs and enhance IT efficiency.
A primary feature is its comprehensive usage metering, gathering data from multiple sources to track the utilization of a wide range of applications. This includes real-time and historical reporting for both on-premise and cloud applications.
LicenseAnalyzer excels in measuring true active usage, going beyond license check-ins by using metrics like CPU and I/O activity to determine if an application is actively used. This granular approach leads to more effective license harvesting and optimization.
The platform also facilitates chargeback and cost allocation, enabling organizations to accurately allocate software license costs to different business units based on actual usage. This promotes cost awareness and accountability.
LicenseAnalyzer offers license model simulation, allowing organizations to simulate the cost implications of different licensing models without infrastructure changes. This helps in making informed decisions during vendor negotiations and future software acquisitions.
Implementing Open iT LicenseAnalyzer can lead to significant cost reductions through optimized license usage and identification of underutilized software. It also aids in accurate IT budget planning and enhances preparedness for vendor negotiations.
Specific pricing details are not readily available. However, a free trial option is often provided.
Altair (Siemens): Leveraging unit-based licensing
Altair, now part of Siemens, offers a suite of software solutions with a focus on simulation, HPC, and AI. Their license management is based on a flexible unit-based model called Altair Units, designed to maximize accessibility and collaboration.
The core of Altair’s licensing is the Altair Units system, where customers acquire a shared pool of units. Users can draw units to access any Altair or partner product, with units returning to the pool after use. This fosters flexibility and enables teams to use a wide range of tools.
Altair provides real-time monitoring and reporting through Altair Monitor, offering insights into license availability and usage. This helps organizations optimize software license expenditures.
Altair Monitor includes license optimization features, tracking usage by user, project, or business unit to identify underutilized licenses. Heatmap reports visualize license activity over time, aiding in identifying peak usage periods.
Altair’s license management is deeply integrated with its own software ecosystem and the Altair One cloud platform. This simplifies license management for users within the Altair environment.
A potential limitation is its primary focus on Altair products and its partners. Organizations using a broad range of software from other vendors might find it less comprehensive.
Altair uses a units-based subscription model (Altair Units) for its software licensing.The cost of units varies depending on the quantity purchased and the required software packages. Tailored packages are also available.
Reprise License Manager (RLM): A strong alternative
Reprise License Manager (RLM) is a widely used license management technology often embedded within various commercial software applications. It provides a robust solution for controlling and tracking software license usage for both vendors and end-users.
RLM supports various licensing models, including floating, node-locked, and others, offering flexibility to software vendors. It includes features for license control, usage tracking, and reporting. RLM also provides strong license protection to prevent unauthorized software use. It supports both on-premise and cloud-based licensing.
The primary target audience for RLM is software vendors who integrate it into their applications. It is also relevant for organizations using software that relies on RLM for license management.
While RLM is a license manager, its broad adoption means many organizations indirectly benefit from its capabilities. Higher-level solutions like OpenLM and Altair Monitor often integrate with RLM to provide enhanced management and optimization.
Conclusion: Navigating the license management landscape
Choosing the right software license management solution in 2025 is vital for optimizing software investments and ensuring compliance. The best solution depends on an organization’s specific needs and characteristics.
OpenLM is a strong contender with broad compatibility and cost-saving capabilities. FlexNet Manager suits large enterprises with complex licensing needs. Open iT LicenseAnalyzer excels in providing deep usage analytics. Altair’s unit-based model offers flexibility for Altair software users. RLM is a foundational technology for many software applications.
By carefully evaluating features, benefits, pricing, and user feedback, organizations can make informed decisions to effectively manage their software licenses.
