What’s the difference between single-user and network licenses?

Modified on Mon, 30 Sep at 11:23 AM

There are no differences in functionality or pricing between these two license types. They differ only in where they are installed:

Single-user licenses are installed on personal computers or laptops.

Network licenses are installed in a server-client environment and managed by a server admin using the MAXQDA license service and manager.

Contrary to what the name suggests, the network license does not enable simultaneous editing of a project.

	Single-User-License	Network License
Mode of operation	MAXQDA is installed and executed on the local hard disk and the license is activated in MAXQDA.	The license is activated in MAXQDA Netlic, which is installed on your server. MAXQDA is installed on the client computer and automatically connects to the network license at startup using the license credentials. The standard network licence uses a client whitelist for client authorisation.
Installation of the license	Local on your computer (Windows 10, 11 or Mac 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)	On a Windows server (2012, 2019, 2016) min. 2 GB RAM
Minimum number of licenses	1	5
License	1 User (Installation possible on 2 devices)	1 Seat (Release on 2 devices)
Project	Individual projects are saved on the local computer.	Individual projects are saved on the local computer.
Teamwork possible	By using Teamwork or adding TeamCloud	By using Teamwork or adding TeamCloud
Offline work possible	Yes	No, the device has to be connected to the license server at all times.
Remote access	No	Yes, it uses 2 seats.
Virtual system, Terminal Server	No	Only from the license Free-Floating or Site License on.
Purchase option	Annual subscription, 3- & 5-year	Annual subscription, 3- & 5-year

It is important to note that the number of users who can access the software simultaneously depends on the number of licenses purchased. For example, if a company acquires five network licenses, only five users can access the software simultaneously.

Both the network license and the single-user license allow collaboration on a project. Currently, there is no way to work simultaneously on a project, but the different work states can be combined using the teamwork feature or the TeamCloud add-on.

This means that the choice between a single-user and a network license depends on the user's needs. If you are working with a single device, a single-user license is the best option. However, if you work in an organization where multiple users need to access the software, a network license is the right choice. For more information on the different licensing options, please visit our website.