Managing your Wowza Streaming Engine subscription efficiently is crucial for uninterrupted service. This guide provides a clear overview of how billing works for subscription licenses, common payment issues, and how to resolve them.
A server instance refers to a single installation of Wowza Streaming Engine running on a physical or virtual machine. Each time you install and launch Wowza Streaming Engine, you're starting a server instance. Multiple instances can run on one computer or across several machines.
Keep in mind that any active server instance—whether used for production or testing—will be automatically billed. It's important to manage your server instances and stop them when they’re no longer in use to avoid unnecessary charges.
How Do I Cancel My Subscription?
To cancel a subscription, visit the article named "How Do I Cancel My Wowza Subscription?. All cancellation requests must be submitted at least 14 days before the end of your current subscription or renewal period. If the request is not submitted within this timeframe, the cancellation will take effect in the following subscription period, and your default payment method will be charged for the upcoming term.
Annual Subscription Details
How can I add extra server instances to my annual subscription?
When you sign up for an annual license subscription, you pay in advance for a specific number of server instances for that year. If you need to add more server instances to your annual subscription at any time during the subscription period, simply email Customer Support. You will incur a prorated annual fee for each additional server instance for the remainder 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.