Subscription Entitlement Ideas

We have used different design software with a single license. Each one of these, other than Bentley, would not allow us to access it while another one is using it. We have also used limited-time software (say for 3-month usage only). Such software cannot be opened after the expiry date.

Typically Australian, British and European software companies operate on this basis.

Bently is the only one that does not have this in-built restriction, but they have a sophisticated system to monitor the usage and number of users. How else you could explain this situation. Consider the following facts.

• Bentley Software constantly monitors the usage.

• Bentley allows you to overuse.

• It does not prevent you from accessing it when we exceed the licensed limit.

• Bentley has an optional warning system, that has to be switched on.

• You get a warning sign with two options. 1. Acknowledge & 2. Canel & Quit. The default selection is Acknowledge. This screen does not warn that you will be charged if you proceed. The users would continue without realising the over-usage.

• Then Accounts promptly sends an invoice for the overuse.

• In large organisations, the account payable section would pay the invoice without realising the purpose and book it under their large Software budget.

• If we do not pay the subscription, Bentley has a system to stop our access. i.e. Bentley has the facility to control usage but does not apply while we exceed limits.

Based on the above observations, anyone would deduce that Bentley has designed this system to deceive the customers and overcharge them sneakily. If my deduction is correct, then Bentley’s conduct is deceptive and fraudulent. I would suggest that as an immediate measure insert the warning about additional charges. Change "Acknowledge" to "Continue with extra charges". As a next stage prevent overuse. If one needs an extra short term license then a new screen should come up to give the particulars of additional charges.