Software Licensing
What We Do
The primary goal of Software Licensing is to help Stanford save money on the purchase of computer software. To that end, the staff works with faculty, students, and staff to understand their software needs. When sufficient interest in a particular software application exists, Software Licensing negotiates with the product's vendor and establishes a an agreement that allows Stanford to purchase the software in quantity for a significantly discounted price -- often as much as 50% lower than the standard academic price. Software Licensing, in turn, resells the software to members of the Stanford community at pricing that reflects the lower costs.
For example: Software Licensing provides Microsoft Office to students for $60. At the Stanford Bookstore, students would pay $199 (plus tax); at a commercial outlet, the cost could be as high as $400. Faculty, staff, and students can purchase Intercooled Stata from Software Licensing for $145, significantly less that the regular price of $1075 (plus tax).
Software Licensing currently maintains contracts for over 200 software titles. Distribution of the software depends on the contract and the nature of the software. For example, some products are available only for purchase by departments for use on Stanford-owned machines, while others are available to qualified individuals for their personal purchase and use (as in the Microsoft and Stata examples above). Others are available at no charge to faculty, staff, and students (as in the Essential Stanford Software distribution of Symantec AntiVirus and Eudora). Still other products may be available only through Stanford computing resources (such as the software applications that run on the Unix Computing Resources).
Additionally, the group acts as a clearinghouse for information about potential software purchases. Clients can use HelpSU or send an email to software@stanford.edu to inquire about licensed software. Staff also provides first-level of consultation on some products, including software compatibility and use. Software Licensing staff work closely with Procurement staff who manage the Campus Wide Agreement (CWA) program, and with the Stanford Bookstore to ensure that each group's software offerings complement each other and provide Stanford with the most efficient arrangement.
Work Processes
New Software Agreement for Clients (.pdf)
Software Agreement Renewal (.pdf)
New Software Agreement IT Services (.pdf) (restricted to IT Services only)
More Information
More information about Software Licensing, including a listing of products available to Stanford affiliates for individual purchase, is available at the Software Licensing web site.
