These programs are best described as pay-as-you-go, software rental, subscription or software-as-a-service (Saas) programs.

Broadband internet empowered design-construction professionals and their IT departments with better management tools. Design professionals expected more autonomy and self-service access to maintain their BIM-CAD software licensing. They wanted independent access without needing to call the software companies and/or their software reseller networks.

As early as 2004, BIM-CAD software companies responded by providing “Cloud” access to software upgrades, add-in tools/extensions, content libraries and full 30-day working licenses. The web-empowered CAD and BIM Managers with around-the-clock software access found it more convenient for their scheduling.

SOURCE: sourceable.net