What type of licensing model does Splunk use?

Splunk employs a subscription-based licensing model. This model allows customers to pay for access to Splunk's software and services based on their specific usage needs, typically defined by factors such as the volume of data ingested per day. By using a subscription approach, businesses can adjust their licenses according to their evolving requirements, enabling flexibility and scalability. This model often includes various tiers that cater to different organizational sizes and operational demands, facilitating tailored solutions for diverse customer scenarios.

The subscription-based model also ensures that customers receive regular updates and support, helping them stay current with the latest features and enhancements offered by Splunk. This clear structure promotes a sustainable relationship between Splunk and its users, aligning the software costs with the value derived from it.

The other licensing models mentioned do not apply to Splunk. A free open-source model would imply that the software is available for free, with source code available for modification, which does not reflect Splunk's commercial approach. A perpetual license model would suggest a one-time fee for indefinite use, without the recurring aspect of subscriptions. Lastly, a pay-per-query model implies charging customers based on the number of queries executed, which is not how Splunk's licensing structure operates.