What is the difference between a one-time purchase license and a subscription?

A one-time purchase license typically implies that the user pays a single fee to acquire the software and does not have ongoing payment obligations for that particular version of the software. However, it is common for software vendors to require additional fees for major upgrades or new versions after a specific point in time, which is what option A highlights.

With a one-time purchase, while users can use the software indefinitely, they may need to pay again if they want to access features from newer releases or major updates. In contrast, a subscription model generally allows users to access the latest version of the software as part of their subscription fee, without additional charges for upgrades. This distinct difference helps clarify the ongoing costs associated with each type of license, as those choosing a subscription often benefit from continuous updates as part of their plan.

This understanding is vital for users deciding between purchasing software outright versus opting for a subscription, as it impacts long-term costs and access to the latest features.