Ekahau evolves: SaaS or perpetual license?
Choose the right option for your Wi-Fi network
In an increasingly dynamic and results-oriented environment, Wi-Fi network design and management tools are also evolving. Ekahau, a leader in wireless network planning, analysis, and optimization solutions, has announced a new licensing model based on the SaaS (Software as a Service) approach. This change seeks to better adapt to the needs of different technical and operational profiles, offering greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost control.
But when is it better to opt for a SaaS license, and when is it preferable to maintain a perpetual license? In this article, we analyze both approaches, detail Ekahau's new offerings, and explore case studies by sector.
What is Ekahau's SaaS licensing model?
As of July 1, 2025, Ekahau's new SaaS model is available for both new and existing customers.
The main advantages of this model include:
-
Lower initial investment
-
Pay only for the functionality you need
-
More agile purchasing process as it is treated as an operating expense (OpEx)
-
Immediate access to new features, updates, and improvements
If the subscription expires, projects are retained for 90 days to allow for renewal without data loss.
When is a SaaS license appropriate?
The SaaS model is ideal when:
-
You need financial flexibility: it fits better with annual operating budgets.
-
You require occasional or temporary access to high-level tools.
-
You work with distributed teams that need cloud collaboration and data synchronization.
-
You seek agility in procurement, avoiding lengthy CapEx approval processes.
-
You want to always be up to date with the latest versions and capabilities.
When is a perpetual license still useful?
A perpetual license (such as the traditional Ekahau AI Pro license) may be the best option when:
-
You have capital expenditure (CapEx) available and are looking for a single long-term investment.
-
It does not require the internet to operate, so if the project is located in restricted areas, this is the most viable option.
-
You can store projects on your laptop.
Ekahau's new SaaS licenses: what does each one include?
Ekahau has divided its SaaS offering into three main licenses:
🔹 Ekahau Plan
Who it's for: Network designers and architects who perform predictive planning.
Includes: Ekahau AI Pro Online, Optimizer, Insights, manufacturer API.
Ideal for: Design and simulation without the need for on-site studies.
Requires: The use of Ekahau Optimizer requires Wi-Fi data obtained through Ekahau Sidekick.
🔹 Ekahau Measure Pro
Who it's for: Field technicians who perform data collection and troubleshooting. Includes: Ekahau Survey, Analyzer, cloud synchronization, updates.
Ideal for: Data capture and analysis with Sidekick 2, coverage and security validation.
Requires: Ekahau Sidekick 1 (2.4 and 5 GHz) or Sidekick 2 (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz)
🔹 Ekahau Software Suite
Who it's for: Teams that need a comprehensive end-to-end solution.
Includes: All Plan and Measure Pro tools.
Ideal for: Complete Wi-Fi lifecycle management.
Requires: Sidekick or Sidekick 2 for data collection.
Ekahau Sidekick 2: the essential
Regardless of the licensing model, Sidekick 2 remains the key component for capturing accurate data, performing site surveys, and speeding up problem diagnosis. Its ability to scan 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz Wi-Fi networks makes it an essential tool for any role.
Case studies: Which license is best for each sector?
|
Sector |
Recommendation SaaS |
|
Education |
Software Suite for central IT, Measure Pro for campus. |
|
Hospitality |
Plan o Suite for centralized design, Measure Pro for on-site validations. |
|
Manufacturing |
Plan for engineers, Measure Pro in warehouses and industrial floors. |
|
Healthcare |
Suite for network architects, Measure Pro for critical areas. |
|
Real Estate |
Plan for planning, Measure Pro for coverage validation. |
|
Public Spaces |
Suite for design teams, Measure Pro for deployment support. |
Comparison with perpetual licensing
Although Ekahau has not published a detailed comparison table, it can be inferred that the new SaaS licenses cover features previously available through perpetual Ekahau AI Pro and Ekahau Connect. The main difference lies in access to cloud-based tools, automatic updates, subscription model, and financial approach (OpEx vs. CapEx).
Conclusion
The introduction of SaaS licenses marks an important step in the evolution of Ekahau as a comprehensive platform for Wi-Fi network design, optimization, and management. This new model allows organizations to choose more precisely which tools they need, for how long, and at what level of investment.
Whether you prefer the flexibility of SaaS or the stability of a perpetual license, Ekahau offers powerful solutions to ensure that your Wi-Fi network is always up to the task.
Want to know which model best suits your organization? At Acuity RF Solutions, we help you evaluate the ideal option for your environment and technical needs.
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.
