Name: Shadow Licensing Uncovered: Smart Control for Unmanaged Software
Start: 2026-02-04T10:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-02-04T17:00:00+00:00
Location: OpenLM

Autodesk Cloud license management by OpenLM

Autodesk has shifted its licensing model to “Named User” subscriptions, moving the primary cost challenge from managing concurrent usage to identifying and eliminating expensive, unutilized assigned seats.

OpenLM provides the granular visibility needed to master this cloud transition, helping organizations distinguish between “assigned” and “active” users. By tracking actual consumption, OpenLM allows you to reclaim unused subscriptions and ensure your budget is spent on active engineering work rather than idle accounts.

Understanding Autodesk Cloud: What is Autodesk Cloud licensing?

Autodesk Cloud licensing (the Named User model) is an identity-based system where subscriptions are assigned to specific individuals via their Autodesk ID, replacing the need for local network servers or serial numbers. Users authenticate by simply signing in, allowing the cloud service to verify entitlements and track usage over the internet. This system centralizes management in the Autodesk Account portal, giving administrators detailed visibility into individual user activity and eliminating on-premise infrastructure maintenance.

Autodesk Cloud licensing schemas: What makes it a specialty license

The Autodesk Named User model assigns a dedicated subscription to an individual user, offering a predictable access model. However, this structure introduces a new and persistent optimization challenge: shelfware.

Named user, uncertain use: A subscription is considered “used” the moment it is assigned, regardless of whether the user launches the application. This makes traditional tracking methods obsolete and creates significant budget risk.
High cost, high risk: Autodesk subscriptions represent a substantial operational investment. If a high-cost license is assigned but remains idle—a form of “shelfware”—you incur 100% of the cost for 0% of the value.
Active monitoring is essential: Controlling expenditure requires moving beyond simple assignment data. You must track active application usage to confidently identify and reallocate unused subscriptions.

OpenLM's solution for Autodesk Cloud Optimization

OpenLM provides a knowledgeable, authoritative, and solution-oriented platform, specifically designed to help you transition from passive tracking of assigned seats to confident, proactive control over your entire Autodesk investment.

OpenLM capability	Value for Autodesk Cloud licenses
Granular utilization monitoring	Go beyond simple ‘assigned’ status. OpenLM tracks the actual usage by the minute for every named user. You gain the precise, data-driven evidence needed to proactively manage and right-size your subscription portfolio.
Shelfware identification and reporting	Instantly pinpoint assigned users who have not launched or actively used their high-cost products within your defined time window. This allows you to quickly reassign licenses and eliminate expensive, unutilized shelfware.
Subscription expiration tracking	Track and alert on the expiration date for all your Autodesk features and products. This ensures your legal and procurement teams are never surprised by an expiring subscription, guaranteeing continuous productivity for your engineers.
Cost allocation and chargeback	Accurately map high-cost Autodesk subscription usage to the specific user groups, departments, or projects that consume them. This creates crucial transparency and accountability for more precise budgeting and resource planning.

The OpenLM advantage for Autodesk Cloud users

OpenLM Platform is robustly built for the specialized challenges of enterprise engineering software. We offer continuous monitoring and management for over 90 unique engineering license managers—the most comprehensive support available—with tailored features to ensure maximum ROI on your specialized Autodesk tools.

Unified IT asset view: OpenLM centralizes your Autodesk Cloud management with all other license managers (supporting 140+ in total, including both cloud and on-premise systems). You achieve a single, cohesive platform for confident, strategic software asset governance.
Focus on engineering ROI: Our core expertise is in high-cost specialty software. We help you move your focus from simply counting assigned seats to maximizing the value delivered by every minute of Autodesk usage.
Forward-thinking management: We help you anticipate spending needs. By tracking detailed utilization patterns, you can confidently forecast future subscription requirements and justify spend before the next renewal cycle.