Software Metering
Software metering, also referred to as software or application usage tracking, tells you what applications are being used, how frequently, for how long, and by whom. Software metering can also involve controlling or restricting the launch of specific applications — often in the case of concurrently licensed software — to ensure that the number of licenses being used at any given time does not exceed the number of licenses purchased. Such capabilities can also be used to prevent the use of unauthorized software that may pose a risk to security or productivity.
Software metering technology generally requires that a "client" be deployed to each computer for which application usage data is desired. The client collects usage data that may include information such as application launch time, stop time, idle time, peak usage, and frequency of use. The data is then transmitted via HTTP or HTTPS and submitted into a database for reporting.
Software metering tools are critical to understanding application utilization and ensuring that organizations do not overspend on software licenses that aren't being used.
Software Metering Made Easy
Express Software Manager offers PC software metering capabilities that allow you to track and manage application usage across your network environment, even for remote or disconnected PCs. In addition to supporting the standard PC computing environment, Express Software Manager provides metering for Windows Terminal Server and Citrix environments, as well as for applications launched virtually through technologies such as Microsoft SoftGrid® and Citrix AppStream.
