Learn how Wowza Streaming Engine tracks server instance and transcoder channel usage, understand billing for peak usage, and get tips for testing without incurring charges.
Understanding Wowza Streaming Engine Licensing and Billing
When using Wowza Streaming Engine, it’s important to understand how server instances and transcoder channels are billed. In this guide, we’ll explain how Wowza's licensing servers track usage, what counts as a server instance, how transcoder channels are billed, and tips for using testing licenses.
How Wowza Streaming Engine Licensing Works
Wowza Streaming Engine licensing servers track your peak usage on any given day during the monthly billing cycle. If you’ve used additional server instances during the previous period, they will be billed on the next monthly invoice at the current rate. There’s no need to manually notify Wowza when you start or stop instances; the system automatically tracks usage.
What is a Server Instance?
A server instance refers to a single copy of Wowza Streaming Engine running on one physical or virtual machine. You can run multiple applications simultaneously on a single Wowza instance without affecting the number of instances counted.
- Important: Regardless of how many applications or connected viewers you have, Wowza only counts the peak number of server instances used on any day during the month.
What is a Transcoder Channel?
A transcoder channel is an inbound stream processed by Wowza Streaming Engine’s Transcoder feature. Each time a live stream is received and processed by the Transcoder, it counts as a transcoder channel. This count is reflected in your monthly invoice.
- Example: If your Wowza server ingests and transcodes multiple live streams, each processed stream counts as a separate transcoder channel.
How Testing Licenses Are Billed
All server instances and transcoder channels reporting to Wowza’s licensing servers are billed regardless of whether they’re used in production or testing environments. The billing system automatically calculates charges based on peak usage during the billing cycle.
If you need to test Wowza Streaming Engine without incurring charges, consider request a free trial license. This allows you to test the platform without billing implications.
Tips for Managing Wowza License Usage
- Monitor Usage: Regularly review the number of server instances and transcoder channels in use to avoid unexpected charges.
- Optimize Transcoding: Ensure efficient transcoding workflows to minimize the number of channels used.
- Test Efficiently: Use a trial license for testing to avoid billing for non-production instances.