Technology has advanced significantly since the first release of ArcMap over 25 years ago. From GIS professionals working on desktop machines only, to now, with many types of users employing geospatial capabilities in their work across desktop, web and mobile devices. Consequently, Esri evolved to meet our customers’ changing needs by providing broader access across the entire ArcGIS platform. Now, licensing is associated with people and the work they do, rather than the machines they work at.
In the past, organizations managed their ArcGIS desktop licenses as Single Use or Concurrent Use. Today, the approach has shifted. Instead of a software-centric licensing model, we have adopted a user-centric model. For example, where administrators would previously manage licenses for ArcGIS Desktop, they now administer user types that grant users access to a breadth of capabilities, apps, and content based upon their role.
Why the shift?
To meet growing demand for seamless access to geospatial capabilities, Esri has reimagined how organizations manage and administer access to ArcGIS. This shift reflects how organizations operate in today’s landscape.
Rather than managing multiple licenses for different applications, organizations can assign a user type that grants the right apps, capabilities, and privileges in alignment to each user’s role. This role-based licensing provides greater flexibility and scalability. Further, it allows users to get what they need, whether on the web, desktop, or a mobile device.
Modern license management
Today, there are six user types which can be managed and assigned through a portal: either via ArcGIS Online or through ArcGIS Enterprise. The right choice depends on your organization’s current deployment, business needs, technical requirements, and skills:
1. ArcGIS Online is an Esri-hosted software as a service (SaaS). As a fully managed, cloud-based platform requiring no infrastructure maintenance on your part, it is a great lower-effort choice to get started at scale. To reduce the overall level of effort, consider managing user types in ArcGIS Online. Learn more about administering user types with ArcGIS Online here.
2. ArcGIS Enterprise is self-hosted software, which gives you control over how you deploy and manage it. ArcGIS Enterprise involves additional administrative steps compared to ArcGIS Online, but offers more customization options and advanced configurations for data management, security, and more. If your organization doesn’t use ArcGIS Online or prefers to use ArcGIS Enterprise for license management, user type licenses will be managed there, with the option to use enterprise logins, web-tier authentication, or the built-in identity store. Learn more about administering user types in ArcGIS Enterprise here.
For more information on the differences and relationship between ArcGIS Online and ArcGIS Enterprise, click here.
Next steps
With this user-centric model, Esri aims to simplify license management while committing to delivering the capabilities users need, when and where they need them.
Transitioning to user types may feel like a big change, but you’re not alone. With ArcGIS Desktop’s retirement around the corner, now is a great time to explore your licensing options and connect with Esri experts. Whether you’re just starting or have already begun your migration, there are resources available to help you. To get started:
1. Review the user type migration guide and additional resources below.
2. Consider whether managing user types in ArcGIS Online or ArcGIS Enterprise meets your organization’s needs best.
3. For customers with three or fewer licenses, explore the migration tool on My Esri. Go to the Licensing tab > License Information > Product Migration as the Primary Maintenance Contact with Perform Transaction Tasks permissions.
4. Reach out to your account manager or contact us for personalized support.
5. Attending the Esri User Conference? Plan to speak with Esri staff about your options.
Additional resources
For more information on license management and user types, explore the following:
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