Netscape lightens the licensing load

Netscape has simplified its volume licensing programme following reseller criticism that it was too inflexible.

Netscape?s existing licence programme had come under fire for being too cumbersome at the enterprise level, as the previous volume licensing had consisted of a one-off purchase of a licence in a single box, for up to 20,000 users.

Sam Sethi, Netscape UK product PR manager, admitted the previous licensing system was confusing. ?We have simplified the model by letting resellers purchase the servers and then licensing the users around that server,? he said.

The programme ? called Charter ? now consists of three levels designed for the enterprise, SME and individual licensing levels, and is operated on a per-seat basis.

Nick Sears, sales manager at Azlan, said: ?In the past, Netscape may have lost sales because the one-off commitment was too big for many customers. If this programme is manageable through the channel, then it?s a good thing.?

Sethi said Netscape would not set a buying price, but would provide a margin for resellers. He added that Charter was open to all accredited partners and dealers.