How does AVEVA PI System licensing work?
How does AVEVA PI System licensing work?
PI System licensing has evolved through multiple models. Here's the current state.
Current Licensing Model (AVEVA Flex)
AVEVA Flex is a subscription-based model:
- Pay based on tokens — each product/feature consumes a certain number of tokens.
- Tokens are pooled — allocate them across products as needed.
- Annual or multi-year subscriptions.
- Includes access to AVEVA Connect cloud services.
Legacy Licensing (Pre-AVEVA)
Older OSIsoft licenses used:
- Tag-based: pay per number of PI points (1K, 5K, 10K, unlimited).
- Named product licenses: separate licenses for PI Vision, PI AF, interfaces, etc.
- Perpetual: one-time purchase with annual maintenance (SLA).
What Requires a License?
| Component | License Required? |
|---|---|
| PI Data Archive | Yes (core license) |
| PI AF Server | Included with PI Server |
| PI Vision | Separate license |
| PI Web API | Included with PI Server |
| PI DataLink | Separate license (per user) |
| PI Interfaces | Included (most standard) |
| PI Analysis Service | Included with PI AF |
| PI Integrator | Separate license |
| AVEVA Data Hub | Separate subscription |
Client Access
- PI System Explorer: free download, no client license needed.
- PI SMT: free, included with PI Server.
- AF SDK / PI SDK: free SDKs for development.
- PI Web API access: no per-user license (server-side license covers it).
Tips
- Contact AVEVA sales or your authorized distributor for pricing.
- Academic/educational licenses are available at reduced rates.
- AVEVA Flex provides flexibility to try new products without upfront commitment.
- Review your current tag usage before renewing — you may be over or under-licensed.
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