Software subscription buyer's guide
Hypertherm is now offering its CAD/CAM software users the ability to purchase their software on a subscription basis.
You’ll be receiving the same, industry-leading software as before, with the same local desktop installation. The only difference is that subscriptions offer greater purchasing flexibility. They provide you with another way to buy software that may be easier, more convenient, and more cost effective for your organization.
Of course, you’ll still have the option to buy a traditional, perpetual license that provides permanent ownership of the software.
Subscription or perpetual – which option is best for me?
| Subscription | Perpetual | |
|---|---|---|
| Usage period | Monthly | Permanent |
| Payment type | Low up-front cost | Higher up-front cost |
| Tax and accounting treatment | Operating expense | Capital expense |
| Cash flow | Small impact | Big impact in year one |
| Purchase approval process | Quicker, easier | More involved |
| Tiers / modules | Easily scale up or down | Requires a purchase |
| Software updates, upgrades, training, and support | Included | Requires the purchase and renewal of an annual maintenance plan |