Software license (perpetual vs subscription)
The right to use software. A perpetual license is bought once, a subscription is paid periodically; MIA uses a one-time, fixed-term license.
A software license is the right to use a piece of software under certain conditions. Two models dominate digital signage software:
- Perpetual license: paid once, and the software can be used indefinitely. Updates and support are often charged separately.
- Subscription: usually paid monthly or yearly, and often per screen. When payments stop, the service may stop too.
As the number of screens grows, a monthly fee per screen pushes the total cost up quickly. That is why the license model matters at least as much as the feature list when you choose software.
MIA's license model
MIA works with a one-time license based on screen count and duration: 1 year, 3 years or a custom term. There is no monthly fee per screen. The license is bound to your installation, verified offline and needs no license server. When it lapses, only the panel becomes read-only; screens keep playing and never show anything about licenses. Details are on the license page.