Wibu-Systems Update
Announcing: CodeMeter Kickstart (Pilot test phase)
Implementing effective software protection and licensing doesn’t have to be complicated. The CodeMeter Kickstart is specifically designed for businesses that need effective software protection and licensing without unnecessary complexity. This solution is exclusively tailored for customers who don’t require complex or complicated license configurations and need only a limited variety of license types. With Kickstart, you can choose from just 10 pre-configured license types, making your decision process simpler while covering most common business scenarios.
The right solution for your licensing requirements
CodeMeter Kickstart eliminates guesswork by offering a curated selection of the most commonly used license models, complete setup assistance, and ongoing support. Choose from flexible deployment options including software-based, hardware-based, and cloud-based
licenses—all managed through a centralized portal that we configure for you.
Choose your license types
Kickstart comes with 10 pre-configured license types to match your business requirements:
- Perpetual License – Traditional one-time purchase with unlimited usage
- Modular License – Enable specific features based on customer needs
- Floating Network License – Share licenses across teams for optimal resource utilization
- Field Engineer License – Specialized licensing for mobile service technicians
- Annual Subscription with Auto-Renewal – Recurring revenue with automatic processing
- Pay-Per-Use License – Usage-based pricing for consumption models
- Prepaid 30-Day License – Short-term access for temporary projects
- Prepaid 365-Day License – Annual access with upfront payment
- Trial/Demo Evaluation License – Limited-time access for prospective customers
- Floating Network License with Borrowing – Team licensing with offline capabilities
Unlike traditional licensing solutions that require extensive configuration, CodeMeter Kickstart includes personalized setup services. After a consultation to understand your needs, our experts will:
- Configure CodeMeter License Central specifically for your products
- Set up License Portal for customer self-service
- Implement your chosen license models from our pre-configured options
Once configured, you’ll have immediate access to create licenses using any of the CodeMeter container technologies:
- CmActLicense – Software-based activation tied to specific devices
- CmDongle – Hardware-based security for maximum protection
- CmCloud – Cloud-based licensing for modern deployment scenarios
Powerful license portal capabilities at your fingertips
Your configured License Portal becomes your command center for managing all aspects of customer licensing:
Essential management tools:
- Customer Data Management – Store and update user information in a centralized database
- License and Subscription Administration – Create and manage software entitlements
- Activation Support – Guide users through license activation processes
- CmCloudContainer Management – Control cloud-based license containers
- Extensive Automation – Leverage APIs for integration with your existing systems
- Customizable Workflows – Flexible processes that align with your business needs
- Distribution Network Support – Enable resellers to sell your software through their own portals
Practical features for daily operations:
- Rights Management – Control who can manage specific products/licenses
- Product Configuration – Set up product information and license terms
- License Assignment – Allocate licenses to individuals or groups
- Reseller Management – Create and manage resellers who can sell your software
- Subscription Management – Create, renew, and cancel subscriptions
- License Revocation – Ability to immediately revoke licenses when needed
- Billing Reports – Generate reports for renewals and active subscriptions
The benefits of starting with Kickstart
- Rapid Deployment – Begin protecting and licensing your software in days, not months
- Simplified Choices – Pre-configured license models eliminate decision fatigue
- Expert Setup – Professional configuration ensures optimal implementation
- Complete Solution – Access to all CodeMeter technologies without separate purchases
- Cost Effective – More affordable than purchasing all required modules separately
Start your licensing journey today
The CodeMeter Kickstart offers a streamlined path to professional software licensing and protection. With our expert setup and your choice of 10 powerful license models, you’ll quickly implement a solution that protects your intellectual property while providing the flexibility your customers demand.
CodeMeter Kickstart is currently in pilot test phase. The package includes initial setup and configuration of License Central and License Portal based on your selected license models. As a pilot participant, you’ll benefit from priority support and the opportunity to help shape the final release. Additional customization available upon request.
Discover how CodeMeter Kickstart can simplify your licensing strategy
Empowering Industry 4.0 with Smarter Licensing
At Wibu-Systems, we believe in building strong partnerships with our customers to help them unlock the full potential of secure and flexible software licensing.
That’s why we’re excited to share this insightful discussion between Ton van den Berg from Wibu-Systems and Laurent Macquet from Desoutter Tools. Their innovative Unit Values (UVs) model, combined with CodeMeter’s security and feature activation, is reshaping software licensing in Industry 4.0, providing scalability, flexibility, and IP protection.
Watch the full conversation and see how this transformation is driving the future of digitalization in the automotive and aerospace industries!
Wibu-Systems at Hannover Messe
Hannover Messe is the epicenter of industrial innovation, and Wibu-Systems is unveiling groundbreaking solutions to help businesses safeguard intellectual property, optimize licensing, and unlock new revenue streams.
Meet with us in Hall 16, Booth D10 from March 31 – April 4
Discover our latest advancements:
Preview: CodeMeter License Reporting – Data-Driven Licensing Intelligence
Gain deep insights into license usage with advanced analytics and interactive dashboards. Optimize pricing models, enhance customer experience, and make informed business decisions based on data.
CodeMeter License Portal – Streamlining Global License Management
Revolutionize license distribution with a centralized, intuitive, and highly secure online portal. Minimize administrative overhead, reduce downtime, and ensure seamless accessibility across global operations.
Protection & Licensing for AI – Safeguarding Intelligence in Automation
Secure and monetize AI applications with CodeMeter’s advanced encryption and licensing frameworks. Protect valuable algorithms and models while enabling flexible deployment in industrial environments.
Protection & Licensing for Virtual PLCs – Securing the Future of Industrial Control
Ensure robust security and scalable licensing for virtual PLCs with CodeMeter. Protect operational data, enable new business models, and support the shift toward decentralized manufacturing.
CmReady – Licensing Meets Industrial-Grade Storage
Extend CodeMeter functionality to third-party storage devices, transforming standard SD and microSD cards into secure licensing platforms for industrial automation, eliminating the need for dedicated hardware.
CmCloud – Cloud-Based Licensing for a Connected World
Enable secure and continuous access to licenses across global smart manufacturing ecosystems. CmCloud removes geographical barriers, simplifies management, and enhances security for mission-critical applications.
Special Highlight at Hannover Messe
Oliver Winzenried, CEO of Wibu-Systems, will share how late-stage configurability and digital licensing are transforming automation for industry leaders like SICK and Kistler.
April 3 | 17:30 – 17:50
Hall 8, Booth D17, Industrie 4.0 Stage
→ Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights
Visit us at Hannover Messe and explore how Wibu-Systems can elevate your software security and monetization strategy!
Licensing trends in 2025
2024 was a big year for Wibu-Systems — we celebrated 35 years of protecting intellectual property, enabling secure business models, and driving innovation. Over the past three decades, we’ve built a strong reputation in software security and licensing. But the digital landscape keeps changing, and 2025 will bring new challenges like IP theft, cyberattacks, and compliance pressures.
Here’s what we expect to shape the licensing market in 2025:
- License Server in the Cloud
Software licensing is evolving rapidly, offering new ways for ISVs to meet customer needs. Traditional floating network licenses — where software is installed locally but shared among multiple users — remain popular. But cloud-based licensing is becoming the standard.
Next up: hybrid models that combine local and cloud-based servers. This setup allows users to access licenses from anywhere, even without a network connection. It also benefits ISVs with better visibility into license usage, helping to fine-tune pricing and improve customer experience. Expect hybrid licensing to grow in 2025.
- Licensing Solutions for Small Devices
Industrial IoT (IIoT) is growing fast, with countless sensors and controllers driving smart manufacturing. But these small devices are easy targets for cyberattacks because of their limited processing power.
Wibu-Systems is working on lightweight, secure licensing solutions designed for these small devices. Our goal is to protect sensitive data while keeping licensing flexible and easy to manage — even in resource-limited environments.
- License Reporting
Understanding how customers use your software is key to optimizing your business model. ISVs need to know which features are used most, how long licenses are active, and where gaps in usage occur.
In 2025, Wibu-Systems will launch a comprehensive license reporting solution. This tool will give ISVs detailed insights into license usage, helping them adjust pricing models, introduce pay-per-use options, and offer targeted customer support.
- Self-Service for Enterprise Customers
Managing licenses at scale is a major challenge for large companies. Enterprise customers want to assign, monitor, and revoke licenses quickly and efficiently — without relying on vendor support.
That’s why Wibu-Systems developed the License Portal. It allows enterprise users to manage licenses independently, assign them to teams, and automate removal when licenses are no longer needed. This reduces admin workload and improves license visibility across the organization.
- Licensing in Virtual Environments
Virtualization makes it easier for IT teams to run multiple platforms at once — but it complicates licensing. Vendors want to prevent license duplication, while users expect licenses to work seamlessly in virtual machines.
Wibu-Systems will continue to refine licensing solutions for virtual environments. Expect more flexible options for deploying and managing licenses across virtual machines, both locally and in the cloud.
- Licensing in Containerized Environments
Containerization (e.g., Docker) is becoming a popular way to run software across different hardware platforms. This trend is creating new opportunities for industrial app marketplaces, where companies can buy and sell containerized applications.
Wibu-Systems’ licensing solutions already support containerized environments, ensuring secure deployment and monetization. As industrial marketplaces grow, we’re ready to help vendors protect and manage their software in these dynamic ecosystems.
- Strengthening Cybersecurity Standards in the EU
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) will introduce stricter cybersecurity requirements for software, hardware, and cloud services in the EU. Companies will need to prove that their products meet these new standards — or risk fines and market restrictions.
Wibu-Systems is prepared for the CRA. Our CodeMeter technology already supports key compliance requirements, giving developers the tools they need to meet the new security standards. If you’re doing business in the EU, now is the time to prepare.
Get Ready for the Future of Licensing
The licensing landscape is changing fast — but with the right tools, you can stay ahead. Wibu-Systems’ secure, flexible solutions are designed to help you protect your intellectual property, maximize revenue, and meet evolving compliance standards.
Discover how Wibu-Systems can elevate your licensing strategy in 2025