Introduction
A Business Process Management (BPM) tool like Qflow is essential for optimizing and automating your organization’s processes.
But before incorporating it, choosing the appropriate licensing mode for your needs is an important factor for the success of its implementation.
In this article, we will analyze the two licensing options available for Qflow: Cloud and On-Premise, and provide you with tips for choosing the best option for your company.
Qflow Cloud
It offers monthly or annual subscription with different plans available. These plans differ according to the number of users, available storage, and Q-points consumption. For companies that require it, there is also the possibility of creating a customized plan.
Let’s expand on each decisive factor:
Users
These are the active users that can exist at any given time. That is, if you acquire a license for 30 users, you can have up to 30 active users simultaneously. An active user is one who can access the various Qflow tools. It is possible to disable and enable users at any time.
Storage
The available storage is the maximum value in GB that your information can reach on the Qflow server. Only information relevant to process execution will be counted, such as application data, process roles, attachments, and comments. This storage will grow according to its use, with attachments being the most consumed.
Q-points
Q-points function as a credit system that is consumed with each task initiation and execution, depending on consumption, the complexity of automated flows, and the frequency of process use. You can learn more details about Q-points consumption by accessing here.
Advantages
Scalability: Increase or decrease users and resources according to your needs.
Maintenance and updates: The provider takes care of software management and updates.
Lower initial investment: Does not require investment in hardware or infrastructure.
Ready to use: Simply by registering and creating a workspace, you can start using Qflow.
Qflow On-Premise
Qflow On-Premise is marketed in the form of a license sale. This licensing mode is a one-time purchase, meaning a single fee is paid for the tool’s license. The complete licensing for an installation requires:
- Server license
- Instance license (Tenant)
- User licenses
Server license
Option I) Server: No limitations on the number of processes to be implemented. Does not implement high availability.
Option II) Server Enterprise Edition: Suitable for large installations enabling service configuration in Cluster (Active/Passive) or Farm (Active/Active) mode.
Instance license (tenant)
Qflow has the ability to support multiple instances (multi-tenant) on the same server infrastructure. The server license includes the default instance, and additional instances that are desired require an additional type of license, called Tenant, which must have its own user licenses.
User licenses
The Qflow On-Premise licensing model is based on named users; this means that a license is required for each user participating in a process. Only those enabled in the system are taken into account to evaluate the number of user licenses, so we can disable a user in case of personnel turnover, for example, and enable their replacement without losing audit trace information.
Version upgrades
If you opt for the On-Premise version, to access updates, you must contract the license maintenance service that grants you the right to receive all these updates free of charge.
Advantages
Total control: You will have total control over software installation, configuration, and security.
Customization: Adapt the tool to your specific needs, for example, greater integration capability with other tools, development of custom forms, etc.
New Qflow versions
Adapting to the cloud world, with the aim of responding in real-time to our customers’ new needs and having a robust and updated product, we release 3 new versions of Qflow Cloud per year to meet the demand for real-time solutions, keeping business process management at the forefront. Once a year, we consolidate the novelties of the versions released in the cloud, in Qflow On-Premise.
How to choose the right licensing mode?
The best option for your company will depend on its specific needs, budget, and resources. Some important points to consider when deciding are:
Company size and customization needs
If you are part of a small or medium-sized company, Qflow Cloud may be the best alternative given its scalability, which will allow the tool to accompany you as your business grows. In addition to the greater ease of starting to use the tool. If it is a large company, both options may be suitable, and it will depend on whether you have more advanced customization needs, to opt for Qflow On-Premise.
Budget
Qflow Cloud has a lower initial cost, which facilitates access to the tool. On-Premise requires a significant initial investment but may be more convenient in the long run.
IT resources
When implementing Qflow On-Premise in your organization, it is advisable to have an internal IT team. If you do not have IT resources, Cloud may be a better option because it does not require server management or backup tools, etc.
Tips for choosing the right licensing mode:
Define your needs: Determine what features you need and how you plan to use the BPM tool.
Evaluate your budget: Compare the costs of both modes, including infrastructure and maintenance costs.
Consider your IT resources: Determine if you have the team and experience to manage an On-Premise tool.
Conclusion
BPM tools offer a variety of benefits for companies. Choosing the right licensing mode is crucial to make the most of these tools. Qflow Cloud and On-Premise are two excellent options, each with its own advantages. The best option for your company will depend on your specific needs, budget, and resources.
We recommend that you evaluate these factors before choosing a licensing mode. If you are not sure which option is best for your organization, we are available to advise you! Contact us here.