The first provider using TÜVIT-certified license transfers

As the name suggests, used software relates to programs whose license has already been exercised. When companies buy software licenses, these access licenses can become superfluous, for example when staff numbers are reduced, or due to insolvency or system changes. Under these circumstances, it makes sense to sell used software. Used software resellers can then sell the licenses acquired in this way to other companies. The advantage of buying used software: The costs for the respective licenses are significantly lower than the price for new. Outdated software versions that can no longer be supplied by the developer themselves can also be purchased.

The benefits of used software from Soft & Cloud are not only financial. Soft & Cloud products offer you many other benefits:

• No wear and tear:
  Used software is always in perfect condition. You will receive the same quality, no different from newly purchased access licenses.
• You have update rights:
  If you buy software second-hand, you may have the option to use any associated update rights. With some volume licenses, update rights are automatically included, so that you can easily bring the respective software up to date.
• After-sales service:
  With used software licenses, you are not only purchase important programs for your company, but could also enjoy the software vendor’s after-sales services. This also includes maintenance and support.
• Use patches:
  You can also easily use patches for simple troubleshooting.
• You have downgrade rights:
  When purchasing volume licenses, you also have the option to purchase downgrade rights. This is especially useful if you need older software that is no longer available on the market. However, please note that these rights are usually excluded for full package goods. Soft & Cloud’s licensing consultants will be happy to personally advise you.
• Save money:
  Used software is a real bargain, because you can save up to 70% compared to the original license price. And it is of course the same powerful program. For example, you can cost-effectively use Office or other Windows licenses in full.

If you buy used software, you must be able to rely on the provider. We rely on clearly defined, established processes to guarantee the best quality for you. With us, you’re choosing certified security. Proof of this is provided by the TÜVIT Trusted Process seal, which has been awarded repeatedly to Soft & Cloud for secure license transfers.

• Licenses with certified transfer processes:
  If you buy used software from Soft & Cloud, you will receive products that have undergone a certified transfer process. Soft & Cloud only distributes licenses that come from a trusted source (legal certainty) and can be used by you without hesitation. Using numerous quality assurance measures, legal experts at Soft & Cloud are constantly working to guarantee you high-quality programs and the best service.
• Wide selection:
  You will find a wide selection of used software in the Soft & Cloud range. Choose from a huge assortment of programs such as Microsoft Office, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Windows Server and more.
• Buyback:
  Have you purchased used licenses from Soft & Cloud Software and no longer need them? No problem! Soft & Cloud is happy to buy back unneeded licenses. Our software specialists will be happy to personally advise you.
• Delivering the software you want:
  Are you looking for specific software, but cannot find it in the Soft & Cloud range? Then Soft & Cloud’s licensing consultants will be happy to help you. Generally, the licenses you need will be available shortly after you ask for them.

If you buy used software from us, you will receive a cost-effective, high-quality solution that you can rely on. But how exactly does buying from Soft & Cloud work? As a licensing expert, Soft & Cloud is always transparent and will explain things along the way.

Soft & Cloud buys used software licenses.
You are probably wondering where the software sold by Soft & Cloud comes from. Quite simply: If organizations buy licenses and acquire too many, if companies are restructured, cut personnel, switch to cloud solutions or are wound up, then licenses are offered for sale. Thanks to a strong commercial network, Soft & Cloud learns about this and buys these licenses. Then, Soft & Cloud forward on the licenses you need to you at a great price.

You choose the software license you need from the Soft & Cloud range
Soft & Cloud’s range includes high-quality used software, such as Microsoft Office and other Windows licenses. The range is not static, but is always based on current market conditions. On request, Soft & Cloud can often obtain licenses that are currently not available in the range within a short period of time. Soft & Cloud’s licensing consultants will be happy to personally go through the range with you and help you find the right software for your needs.

You acquire the software licenses and all associated rights.
Once you have found the right software, you can purchase it from Soft & Cloud at a particularly low price. The delivery of these used licenses is legal and safe. You can immediately install the software in question and use it to its full extent.

After conducting a software usage analysis, many companies find they have an actual surplus of software licenses that are no longer needed in the organization. You can turn this software into cash by simply selling the used licenses to another company or – even easier – direct to Soft & Cloud AG. It does not matter whether you have volume licenses from a volume license agreement, software from a standard package, single package, or full package product (FPP), or OEM software.

All that matters is that you no longer use the software and that the original purchase terms and conditions allow it to be sold. Rental models and cloud solutions cannot usually be sold on. An example: Currently, only “older” Adobe® licenses up to version CS6 are available to buy. Newer cloud applications such as Adobe® CC cannot be sold as used software.

After conducting a software usage analysis, many companies find they have an actual surplus of software licenses that are no longer needed in the organization. You can turn this software into cash by simply selling the used licenses to another company or – even easier – direct to Soft & Cloud AG. It does not matter whether you have volume licenses from a volume license agreement, software from a standard package, single package, or full package product (FPP), or OEM software.

All that matters is that you no longer use the software and that the original purchase terms and conditions allow it to be sold. Rental models and cloud solutions cannot usually be sold on. An example: Currently, only “older” Adobe® licenses up to version CS6 are available to buy. Newer cloud applications such as Adobe® CC cannot be sold as used software.

Second-hand software is legal – current information on the legal situation

Used software is legal – but despite the 2012 ruling, few companies recognize the potential for savings.

Purchasing used software licenses offers major advantages to companies: lower costs with the same performance enable significant savings in the company and pays off financially. Nevertheless, only a few companies have taken advantage of this opportunity so far. Why is that?

The results of a recent survey by the public opinion and research company YouGov reveal the answer: Many respondents are uncertain about the legal situation, although this has been clear thanks to a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union in 2012.

Decisions on used software:
In 2012, the ECJ laid the foundation for today’s legal situation with its decision on used software. Software may therefore be resold, and the buyer also receives the update rights. In 2013, Germany’s Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof – BGH) confirmed the decision of the ECJ, thereby consolidating the legal situation in Germany. The relevant decisions of the Münster Public Procurement Chamber (Vergabekammer) were also verified in 2016. You can read more about the individual rulings in our “Legal situation and copyright” section. The uncertainty within many companies regarding used software is unfounded. Because used software is an ideal way for companies of all sizes to reduce costs while not sacrificing the performance of high-quality software.

Soft & Cloud’s licensing consultants will be happy to advise you in detail about your options.

Do you have any questions about how you can buy used software licenses from Soft & Cloud and benefit from cost-effective bargains? Then get advice from the licensing experts – free of charge and with no obligation.

The Soft & Cloud Hotline: +49 2571-13 999 00