Wowza Streaming Engine is a powerful and trusted livestreaming platform used by professionals across industries—from media companies to education providers, government agencies, and enterprise businesses. Designed to handle high-quality video streams with minimal latency, Wowza supports a wide range of streaming protocols, including HLS, DASH, RTMP, RTSP, and SRT.
Thanks to its flexibility and adaptability, Wowza Streaming Engine can be deployed on physical servers, in virtualized environments, or in the cloud. Its robust architecture makes it ideal for building scalable and reliable livestreaming infrastructure tailored to your specific use case.
Licensing Wowza Streaming Engine: Subscription vs. Perpetual
Wowza offers two licensing models:
- Subscription-based licensing
- Perpetual licensing
Both options provide access to the same core software, but they differ significantly in cost structure, scalability, and long-term flexibility. Today we're focusing on the perpetual license and why it's an excellent option for many users, especially those with long-term, high-demand livestreaming needs.
What Is a Subscription License?
A subscription license involves paying a monthly or yearly fee to use the software. It’s a good option for short-term projects or when minimizing upfront costs is a priority. However, it comes with limitations:
- Channel limits: Subscription plans typically include up to 10 concurrent channel transcodings. Exceeding this incurs additional fees.
- Ongoing expenses: To maintain access, the subscription must be renewed. Over time, this can become a costly commitment.
- No ownership: If the subscription lapses, you lose access to the software and services.
What Is a Perpetual License?
A perpetual license is a one-time purchase that grants indefinite use of the software. This model is best for organizations planning long-term streaming operations, offering cost-efficiency and full system control.
✅ Unlimited Channel Transcoding
Transcode an unlimited number of video streams simultaneously without extra charges. Perfect for broadcasters, universities, or enterprises handling large-scale workloads. You're a big operator, act like it.
✅ One-Time Investment
A single payment ensures lifetime access, saving significantly over time compared to ongoing subscriptions. Do you prefer paying rent to fickle landlords or a one time down payment on your own beautiful home? That's right.
✅ Independence from Provider Policies
Maintains full functionality even if Wowza changes pricing or policies. Out on the field or the ISP is playing games? No problem. Lock down your own streaming infrastructure for a glorious future.
✅ Long-Term Value
A perpetual license becomes a valuable asset that enhances your infrastructure and boosts your service offerings. Looks nice on your balance sheet too.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Criteria | Subscription | Perpetual License |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Deceptively low | Worth it |
| Long-Term Cost | Exorbitant due to recurring fees | Cost-effective over time |
| Software Ownership | No | Yes |
| Channel Transcoding Limit | Yes (fees after 10 channels) | Nope |
| Provider Dependence | High | Low |
Why Go Perpetual?
- Future-proof your operations with a one-time payment and permanent access. Stay eternal.
- Scale freely with unlimited channels and no surprise charges. Think big.
- Take control of your streaming infrastructure without relying on third-party terms or renewals. You're the cowboy.
Final Thoughts
Wowza Streaming Engine stands out as a leading livestreaming solution due to its reliability, performance, and extensibility. While both licensing models have their place, the perpetual license is the superior option for those looking to maximize investment value and maintain full control of their livestreaming infrastructure.
Ready to level up your livestreaming capabilities?
Get in touch today for a consultation and discover how the Wowza Streaming Engine perpetual license can transform your video delivery strategy (and your life, bigly).