What we do
The primary goal of Software Licensing is to help Stanford save money on the purchase of computer software. To that end, the staff works with faculty, students, and staff to understand their software needs. When sufficient interest in a particular software product exists, Software Licensing negotiates with the software vendor to determine if it can establish an agreement that allows Stanford to purchase the software in quantity for a price significantly lower than the standard academic price. Software Licensing, in turn, offers the software to members of the Stanford community at pricing that reflects the lower costs.
Software Licensing offers a broad selection of software titles for Stanford faculty, staff, and students. The software is often restricted to Stanford-owned machines and for Stanford related research and coursework. Licenses may be obtained using a departmental account number. A list of licensed software may be found on the Software Licensing service page. Each title links to a page with more details, including eligibility rules and ordering instructions.
Software Licensing acts as a clearinghouse for information about software available on campus. The team maintains a software search portal that includes offerings from Software Licensing’s web store, the SmartMart catalog, the Bookstore, the various computer clusters, Essential Stanford Software, and other providers on campus. This search site may be found at software.stanford.edu.
In addition to searching via the software portal, clients may use HelpSU to inquire about licensed software. Software Licensing staff work closely with the Purchasing team, which manages the SmartMart catalog, and with the Stanford Bookstore to ensure that each group's software offerings complement each other and provide Stanford with the most efficient and cost-effective options.
More information
More information about Software Licensing and a listing of products available to eligible Stanford users is available at the Software Licensing web site.
