Adobe, Macromedia, even Microsoft permits installing a single copy of their software on two computers for the use of one person without additional licensing fees. These "dual-system/single-user" licensing allows professional or power users to maintain copies of software on their work desktop computers as well as on laptops or home computers for out-of-office work without having to pay additional licensing fees. Adobe, for example, has an 80/20 licensing policy: The software may be used approximately eighty percent of the time on one computer and twenty percent on another without requiring two separate installation licenses. Such licensing policies recognize that customers often perform work on more than one system.
Unlike its peers, Quark has, to the consternation of thousands of customers, restricted the installation of QuarkXPress to a single system. If an individual legal, registered QuarkXPress user needed to use the program on a laptop or home system, even part-time, she was required to pony up another $75 USD for the privelage. Software activation protection built into QuarkXPress 5 and 6 enforced the policy by preventing installation without contacting Quark.
Non-concurrent dual-installations of QuarkXPress were so common in creative and business markets that Quark created the Dual Licensing program, complete with its own F.A.Q. and documentation. Rather than join its peers in permitting dual-system/single-user installations of XPress, Quark created a separate licensing program to facilitate the customers' ability to pay Quark.
The licensing policy changed last week. As of the first of July, and announced by Quark in a 6 July press release, Dual Licensing is now free of charge. Users of QuarkXPress may now install a second copy of the product for mobile or home use without the $75 USD charge on top of the initial $945 product price.
The primary, registered user of a QuarkXPress 6 single-user software license can now install, activate, and use the software on two computers. The new policy permits non-concurrent use of the software on two systems, which must be on the same platform.
"Quark is completely committed to improving our customer service. This is one of the many ways that we're actively responding to customer requests and trying to help our customers be more efficient," said Monique Wirz-Grutter, Quark's vice president of operations. "Whether you travel across the globe or simply want to work at home, you will always have convenient access to QuarkXPress, the industry-leading design and layout software."
The dual licensing policy replaces the Quark Mobile Licensing program. Customers who purchased a Quark Mobile License can request a coupon that will apply to the purchase of Quark software or services.
The Dual Licensing and related documentation at Quark.com hasn't yet been updated to reflect the now week-old change in policy.
