Single-use and concurrent licensing for GIS software

Many GIS applications require either single-use or concurrent-use licensing for their software. Esri uses single-use licenses or concurrent-use licenses for ArcGIS products.

• Single-use (node-locked) licensing: Single-use licenses permit software operation on only one computer at a time, and do not require a license service or license manager. An installation code from a license file activates the software.
• Concurrent-use (floating) licensing: Concurrent-use licensing offers more flexibility than single-use licensing. A concurrent-use license allows you to install ArcGIS on as many computers as you want. The license manager, installed locally or on a Central License Service accessible to client computers via the network, serves as a librarian, and allows client computers to check out copies of software. This type of licensing is helpful for organizations with multiple users who do not use the software full time.