A guide: How do I procure used software?

Used software from remarketing offers companies the opportunity to reduce their IT costs without compromising on quality or security. Especially in times when many companies have to carefully review their expenses and operate more efficiently, this approach can create additional financial leeway. At the same time, the modernisation of the IT infrastructure remains reliable and fully compliant with legal requirements.

Definitions & Terms (Mini Glossary)

Remarketing software licences (used software)
Remarketing software licences are software licences that have already been purchased and are being resold by the original owner to a new user. They are legally protected by the principle of exhaustion.

Licence transfer
A licence transfer describes the legally compliant transfer of usage rights from one licence holder to the next.

Audit security
Audit security means that all licences are fully documented and have proofs of origin that can be easily presented during software audits.

ECJ ruling
The ECJ ruling from 2012 is a landmark ruling that legalises the resale of used software in the EU.

TÜV certificate
The TÜV certificate "Secure Licence Transfer Process" in the context of trading in used software licences confirms that our processes have been comprehensively analysed and assessed as qualified in an independent audit. Criteria such as transparency and customer satisfaction were also taken into account – thus, our quality is confirmed by an independent testing agency.

When is it worth buying used software?

Purchasing used software makes particular sense when the focus is on budget optimisation and capital needs to be kept free for other strategic areas. Especially for standard software such as Microsoft Office, Windows or SQL servers, licences from remarketing offer considerable savings potential.

Used software is also an attractive alternative when IT infrastructure needs to be scaled up. Purchasing from remarketing is the ideal solution, especially for companies that need older versions or want to modernise their IT infrastructure cost-effectively.

Soft & Cloud supports companies as a partner for cost-optimised licence management in the economical design of their IT licensing. We help to combine on-premise licences, cloud solutions and strategic licence advisory services in a meaningful way so that existing savings potential can be identified and exploited in a targeted manner.

What should you look out for when buying used software?

The trade in used software is legal, provided that the software is original and was first placed on the market in the European Economic Area or the EU. This has been established by the European Court of Justice and confirmed by the Federal Court of Justice. Nevertheless, companies are often sceptical when it comes to purchasing used software. However, this concern is unfounded, provided that a few important points are taken into account.

DO‘S

Choose providers with TÜV-certified processes.
Check the licence type: volume licence instead of retail.
Ensure compatibility: suitable for the existing IT infrastructure.
Consider licence transfer: legally compliant and independently certified.
Analyse licence requirements: avoid over- or under-licensing
Choose specialists: reputable providers with experience and independent certification
Take advantage of individual licence advice

DON‘TS

Avoid anonymous marketplaces: platforms without traceable origins, support or legal notices are taboo.
Do not accept unverified offers from private individuals.
Do not accept unrealistically cheap offers without documentation.
Do not transfer licences without legal protection.

Advantages and opportunities

The biggest advantage of purchasing used software licences is the significant cost savings compared to new licences. Buyers do not have to compromise on quality, as the scope of services is identical. In addition, the second-hand market offers flexibility, as both current and older versions are available. Delivery speed is another advantage: reputable suppliers can often deliver on the same day.

What makes a reputable provider?

A reputable supplier of used software is characterised by the following features:

Independent certification: Independent certification (e.g. TÜV certification) proves that the provider has legally compliant, reliable and verified licence transfer processes in place.

Complete documentation: Complete documentation ensures that every licence transfer is recorded in full, the origin of the licences is verified and the path from the original to the new owner can be clearly traced.

Individual licence consulting: Individual licence consulting analyses a company's specific licence requirements in order to avoid over- or under-licensing, reduce costs and minimise legal risks during audits.

Guaranteed availability: Guaranteed availability means that the software products offered are actually in stock and are not just advertised as non-binding bait offers.

Transparent licence management portal: A transparent licence management portal is a secure portal where all licences, documents and downloads are made available automatically and centrally.

Proven expertise: The provider has many years of market experience and several certifications.

Typical fraud and risk characteristics

Warning signs from the provider:

Lack of (TÜV) certification or other official confirmations

Unrealistically low prices without plausible explanation

No individual advice or contact option

Lack of legal notice information or dubious appearance

Products are permanently "unavailable" despite advertising

Obtain and review quotation
When requesting a quote, there are several aspects to consider. In addition to the actual availability of the software, you should also pay attention to a realistic price and a personal contact person. Delivery time also plays an important role, especially if the software is needed promptly. A reputable provider will also offer support with activation if technical questions or problems arise. Last but not least, the compliance issue is crucial: you should ensure that all documents provided are audit-proof and comply with legal requirements.

Needs analysis with personal consultation at Soft & Cloud

At Soft & Cloud, we are happy to assist you with individual licensing advice. We work with you to analyse your specific licensing needs and determine the optimal product version for your requirements. This precise needs analysis allows us to avoid over- or under-licensing and identify specific savings potential.

This is how the purchase and provisioning process works

You have decided to purchase software from remarketing. What happens now?

Our licence management portal
Proper provision and management of software licences is essential to ensure that the software is used in a legally compliant manner. At Soft & Cloud, we provide a secure licence management portal for this purpose. All purchased licences are automatically made available here. The portal enables centralised management of all documents and downloads in one place, as well as a complete overview of all licences.

Documents and evidence
We provide all necessary documents to ensure complete legal and audit compliance. These include:

Invoice and delivery note

Download package with installation and activation media

ECJ certificate of conformity confirming that the requirements for proper resale have been met

TÜV certificate confirming secure licence transfer

Access to your licence management portal

Fast delivery
At Soft & Cloud, we enable licences to be provided within a few hours of purchase. Thanks to immediate access to all necessary documents and download links via our licence portal, installation and use can begin right away.

Technical activation
After purchase, the software will be technically activated:

Download: Access to the installation files via our licence portal.

Installation: Standard installation as for new licences.

Activation: Execution of the provided automatic activation process or entry of the provided product key.

Verification: The software is activated by the manufacturer.

Documentation: Archiving of activation data in the licence portal.

If you have any questions or problems during activation, our support team is available to assist you.

Conclusion: Reduce IT costs with used software licences

Purchasing used software licences from remarketing is a legally compliant and cost-effective strategy for optimising your IT infrastructure. It is crucial to choose an experienced provider with certified licence transfer processes that offers individual advice and guaranteed availability.

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