Episode 21 — Licensing Models — Per User, Socket, Core, and Subscription
In this episode, we examine the most common licensing models encountered in cloud deployments and how they impact cost management and scalability. We explain per-user licensing for environments where individual account access is the cost driver, socket-based models that tie costs to physical or virtual CPU sockets, and core-based models that scale pricing according to CPU cores allocated. Subscription-based licensing is also discussed, covering both time-based and consumption-based approaches. Each model is evaluated for flexibility, scalability, and cost predictability, along with its potential operational trade-offs.
We also explore how licensing affects capacity planning, compliance tracking, and vendor negotiations. Real-world scenarios show how choosing the wrong licensing approach can create budget overruns or restrict scaling. Understanding these models will not only help you answer Cloud+ exam questions but also make informed purchasing and operational decisions in professional environments. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where additional prepcasts, books, and cost optimization tools are available.
