Understanding Subscription License Billing: A Complete Guide
Managing your subscription license billing can sometimes be confusing, but it doesn't have to be. This guide will help you understand the process, address common issues, and provide solutions to ensure smooth billing for your software licenses.
A server instance is a single setup of Wowza Streaming Engine operating on either a physical or virtual machine. Each installation and launch of Wowza Streaming Engine initiates a server instance. You can run multiple instances on one computer or distribute them across various machines.
Be aware that any server instance that is active, regardless of whether it's for production or testing, will incur automatic billing. Therefore, it's crucial to manage your server instances and deactivate them when they are no longer needed to prevent extra charges.
Annual Subscription Details
How can I add additional server instances to my annual subscription?
Upon enrolling in an annual license subscription, you prepay for a designated number of server instances for the year. Should you require more server instances during the subscription period, just contact Customer Support via email. A prorated annual charge will apply for each extra server instance for the rest of your current subscription term.
What if I use more server instances than are included in my annual subscription?
If you exceed the number of server instances included in your annual subscription during any given month, your default payment method will automatically incur charges for the additional instances used, billed monthly in arrears at the current monthly subscription rate. There is no need to inform us when you start or stop instances.
If you expect to continue using the extra instances, you can easily add more annual server instances to your subscription by emailing Customer Support. Each additional instance will be billed at a prorated annual rate for the remainder of your current subscription term.
How do I reduce the number of server instances in my annual subscription?
To reduce the number of annual server instances included in your annual subscription, email Customer Support. Note: Changes will not take place until your annual license subscription renewal date.
Can I move from an annual subscription to a monthly subscription?
You can request to move from an annual license subscription to a monthly license subscription by contacting Customer Support. Note: Changes will not take place until your annual license subscription renewal date.
Monthly Subscription Details
How Am I Invoiced for a Monthly License Subscription?
When you purchase a monthly license subscription, the initial payment covers one server instance. If you need additional server instances, you can install the same license key on more servers as needed. Your monthly invoice will adjust based on the number of concurrently active server instances.
Wowza's licensing system tracks peak usage for each day in your billing cycle. If additional server instances were running during any part of the previous month, they will be reflected on your next invoice at the current monthly rate. You don't need to notify Wowza when starting or stopping instances—billing adjusts automatically.
Your invoice will always include a recurring fee for the first server instance, which ensures your license key remains active even if no servers are running. This fee is charged monthly until you choose to cancel the subscription.
Can I Switch from a Monthly to an Annual Subscription?
Yes, you can switch from a monthly to an annual subscription by contacting Wowza Customer Support. Please note that any changes will take effect at the start of your next monthly billing cycle.