Network software covers licences, management tools and subscriptions for switches, wireless access points, firewalls, servers and power protection equipment. It suits IT managers, system integrators and small businesses that need to extend or manage an existing network. Our range of over 1,100 products includes APC, Extreme, HPE and Lenovo.
How to choose network software
Hardware compatibility. Most network software is tied to one vendor and often to a specific product family or model series. Check the exact model of your switch, firewall, server or UPS before ordering, because a licence for one family will not activate on another.
Licence quantity. Licences are usually counted per device, access point, user or site. In our range, single licences are listed most often, while packs of 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 licences are also available. Work out how many devices you manage today and how many you will add, since topping up later can mean a separate order.
Licence term and type. Some products are perpetual licences, while others are subscriptions that run for one, three or five years and stop working or lose features when they expire. Look at what the term includes, such as feature updates, security signatures or technical support, and note when renewal falls due.
Management model. Cloud-managed platforms let you configure sites remotely from a web dashboard, which suits businesses with several branches. On-premise tools keep data inside your own network and may suit stricter security policies. Make sure the licence matches the model you actually run.
Network software brands we carry
- APC: the power protection brand of Schneider Electric, known for UPS units and the management software and monitoring tools that go with them.
- Extreme: Extreme Networks builds switches and wireless equipment, and its licences cover cloud and on-premise network management.
- HPE and Hewlett Packard Enterprise: a major enterprise server and networking vendor, with software that covers infrastructure management and networking features.
- Lenovo: best known in this area for data centre servers, with management and feature licences that unlock functions on that hardware.
- Zyxel: known for small business firewalls, switches and access points, with licences for security services and the Nebula cloud management platform.
- NETGEAR: a long-standing maker of small business switches and Wi-Fi, with management software for administering them centrally.
- Cisco: one of the largest enterprise networking vendors, whose licences cover routing, switching and security features.
- Veritas Technologies: a specialist in backup and data protection software for servers and storage.
Also in our range: D-Link.
Network software FAQ
What is network software?
Network software is the programs and licences used to run, secure, monitor and back up a network. It includes management platforms for switches and wireless, security subscriptions for firewalls, power monitoring tools and backup software. Many items are licence keys rather than physical products.
Do I need one licence per device?
Not always, as it depends on the vendor and product. Some licences cover a single switch or firewall, while others are counted per access point, user or site. Read the licence description carefully and match the quantity to what you will manage.
What is the difference between a perpetual licence and a subscription?
A perpetual licence has no expiry date, though updates and support may need a separate paid plan. A subscription runs for a fixed term and must be renewed to keep features, updates or cloud management active. Compare the total cost over the years you plan to use the equipment.
Can I use software from one brand on another brand's hardware?
Usually not, because vendor licences are designed for that vendor's own products. A Zyxel licence, for example, is meant for Zyxel devices. If you run mixed equipment, look for a management tool that explicitly supports each brand you use.
