Chaos is introducing changes to its licensing model. We are retiring the fixed-to-one-computer license type and replacing it with named user licensing.
Named licenses are assigned to specific individuals within your organization, giving them the flexibility to access the software from any device - whether they're in the office, at home, or on the move. Unlike fixed licenses (tied to a single machine), named licenses follow the user, not the hardware. This makes license management easier and more adaptable: you can reassign licenses as roles change, teams evolve, or new hires come on board - without the friction of hardware-based restrictions. Named licensing is often preferred by individuals or small teams who use the software regularly and require continuous, guaranteed access. It’s also a strong fit for larger organizations with centralized IT departments, where the IT manager wants to control who can access each license. While more affordable for a single user, named licensing may become costlier for larger teams, since each user needs a separate license, but it provides greater control over license access and usage.
The floating licensing model remains unchanged. Floating licenses function as a shared pool that users within the same organization can access on a first-come, first-served basis. They do not require individual assignment, which simplifies management, especially in larger or dynamic teams. Multiple users can share a floating license, as long as they don’t use the software simultaneously. Although floating licenses are more expensive for a single user, they are often the more economical option for larger teams with periodic or rotating usage. For example, a company with 20 users may only need 10 floating licenses if the software is used at different times, making it a cost-effective and scalable model for firms with varying usage patterns.
Quick Comparison
| Named Licensing | Floating Licensing | |
| Assignment | Assigned to a specific individual | Shared pool within the organization |
| Access | Guaranteed access anytime | First-come, first-served access |
| Usage | Can be used on any device by the assigned user | Can be used on any device by any user |
| Flexibility | Reassignable within the organization | No assignment needed; a common pool accessible by anyone. |
| Application | Individuals or small teams needing uninterrupted access | Larger teams with rotating or intermittent use |
| Cost | More affordable for individuals | More economical for large teams |
| Wait | No wait - always available to the assigned user | Possible wait if all floating licenses are in use |