Can my business buy and use downloaded software?
Is it safe to buy software downloads online? Sure, if you know what you’re doing. There are many tactics a seller can use to unload counterfeit or illegal software when dealing with downloads. They can send academic or promotional codes as a full version. They can send counterfeit product as well.
If you know what to look for and what questions to ask, you can get a great deal by purchasing downloadable software. Download software usually will be significantly less expensive than the retail box item. Most often this is due to the number of users allowed. Downloads are generally for 1 user where most retail products can be installed on 2 or 3 machines. If a download price is too cheap, you better ask some questions.
Avoid the simple mistakes by asking some questions. Ask the seller where they got the code. Did it came from a product key card? A retail CD? Make sure it’s not academic or promotional. These types of codes can land you in hot water with Microsoft if you’re not authorized or qualified to use them. A seller who has counterfeit product may not even know it and these are much more difficult to catch. Generally if the price is way less than a competitor selling the exact same product, you should ask some questions.
Downloads can be less expensive and less taxing on the earth and our resources. Take the time to research a product and seller and you should have no problems. As always, use common sense when shopping online to prevent a poor situation.
Promotional codes are issued by manufacturers with special provisions. Usually these products are for specified user groups like churches, not-for-profits or employees. Academic codes are for use with student and teacher editions. Neither the promotional codes or academic qualify to be used in a business environment. Both with get you major fines if you were audited. You can usually find out if your software is academic or promotional by looking under the about file.