Software covers security, server, network and office programs, design and PDF tools, operating systems and backup software for businesses, IT teams and home offices. Our range of over 14,000 products includes Microsoft, Trend Micro, Kofax, Adobe and Acronis, from single-user licences to server and network software.
How to choose software
Start with the job it has to do. Decide whether you need protection, document handling, server functions, network management or backup. Our subcategories follow these tasks, so you can narrow the choice quickly, for example Security software, Office software or Backup and recovery software.
Check how the licence is counted. Software is usually licensed per user, per device or, for many server products, per processor core. Server software often needs additional access licences for the people or devices that connect to it. Count your users and machines before you order.
Confirm compatibility. Check the supported operating system version, whether the software is 64-bit only, and which server or hardware platform it is meant for. Management software from a hardware maker, such as HPE or APC, is normally written for that maker's own equipment.
Compare subscription and perpetual licences. A subscription includes updates and often cloud services for as long as you keep paying. A perpetual licence is bought once, but major version upgrades and extended support may cost extra. Adobe and Trend Micro products are commonly sold on a term basis, so check the licence period.
Think about management and support. For more than a handful of computers, look for a central console that lets you deploy, update and monitor every installation from one place. This matters most for security and backup software.
Software brands we carry
- Microsoft: the maker of Windows, Windows Server and Microsoft 365 applications, and the largest brand in our range.
- Trend Micro: a security specialist known for endpoint, email and server protection for businesses.
- Kofax: known for document capture, scanning, OCR and PDF software that turns paper into searchable files.
- Adobe: the company behind Acrobat, Photoshop and the other Creative Cloud applications used for design, photo, video and PDF work.
- Acronis: focused on backup, disaster recovery and cyber protection for workstations and servers.
- Fortinet: known for FortiGate firewalls and the security services and licences that go with them.
- HPE and Hewlett Packard Enterprise: server maker whose management and licence products suit its own servers and storage.
- APC: best known for UPS units, with software used to monitor power and shut down protected equipment safely.
- Zyxel and Extreme: network equipment makers whose software covers switch, wireless and network management.
Also in our range: Lenovo.
Software FAQ
What types of software can I buy here?
Our range includes security, server, network, office, design and PDF software, operating systems, backup and recovery, and virtualisation software. There are also smaller groups for telephony, storage and surveillance, and scanning and OCR. Most of it suits business use, but home offices will find office and security titles too.
Do I need client access licences for Windows Server?
In most cases, yes. Windows Server is generally licensed for the server itself, and the users or devices that connect to it need access licences on top. Exact requirements depend on the version and the services you run, so check Microsoft's licensing terms for your setup.
What is the difference between a subscription and a perpetual licence?
A subscription is paid for a set period and includes updates while it is active, whereas a perpetual licence is bought once and kept. Perpetual licences usually cover one version only. Subscriptions suit teams that want the latest version and ongoing support, and perpetual licences suit fixed setups that rarely change.
How do I choose security software for a business?
Choose according to what needs protecting: workstations, servers, email or the network edge. Look for a central management console, support for your operating systems and a licence that matches your user or device count. Products from Trend Micro cover endpoints and servers, while Fortinet licences relate to firewalls.
