What we stand for: Compliance- & audit-proof software

The advantages of used software are obvious. Regrettably, the tricks of some providers are not. Even if all the providers appear to offer the same standard software, the underlying licensing situation can be very different. PREO has been offering its customers real security advantages since its foundation. Customers can buy and resell software, safe in the knowledge that it is always genuine and compliant. PREO has developed the unique “Safe3-System” for this purpose. Each transaction carried out correctly and is documented.

The “Safe3-System”: Because Security Comes First, Second and Third.

The “Safe3-System” is only available at PREO. It increases your security in all 3 purchase phases: before, during and after a transfer.

We want to ensure that you have a worry-free experience. We make sure that ...

... the resale is legitimate,
... the rights chain is fully documented,
... You receive audit-ready supporting documentation,
... Furthermore, PREO is covered against recourse liabilities.

Icon | lock, divided into three parts, for the PREO Safe3-System - the security system for used software licences: 1. Transparency through the chain of rights

We Deliver True Transparency Across the Chain of Rights.

We disclose the chain of rights for all transfers. This includes documentation of the type of contract from which the software originates (including contract numbers), who the previous owners of the software were and confirmation that they have properly uninstalled the software. You will also receive the update history details.

Icon | lock, divided into three parts, for the PREO Safe3-System - the security system for used software licences: 2. Legally secured audit quality

Legally Compliant Audit Quality.

PREO has its own legal department specialising in licensing law. Our experts thoroughly check the ordered licences before selling them. This check is equivalent to a software audit, so you can be sure that your software purchased from PREO is audit-ready.

Icon | lock, divided into three parts, for the PREO Safe3-System - the security system for used software licences: 3. Insurance against transfer mistakes

We Pay Insurance.

Even if you have been running the software for a long time, we want to make sure that you are compliant. All our transfers are insured against financial losses by a reputable insurance company. The insurance covers any financial losses up to EUR 10 million for an unlimited period of time.

Even More Convenience Thanks to Our Own Blockchain Solution.

PREO is also a pioneer in the use of blockchain technology. We use blockchain technology to secure our transactions. This offers you three other advantages:

even more audit readiness,
even more protection against invalid licences,
even more digital convenience for your licence management.

With Blockchain Technology, We Can Ensure the Data Integrity of the Ownership Documentation of Your Software Assets.

From your perspective, this makes it even easier to understand the software supply chain, from the initial purchaser to the buyer. We do not store any identification data or details of a transaction in the blockchain, but only an abstract hash value that was calculated from information about the purchase, the licence origin and the transmission via an encryption mechanism. The hash value of your used software is permanently recorded in the blockchain and cannot be changed.

How Does the PREO Blockchain Work for Used Software?

First, several encrypted hash values are generated for the purchase information and stored in a specially developed sidechain. Next, all the transactions are linked together. This solution has two advantages:

There is no dependency on any particular blockchain,
and the procedure is exemplary in terms of data protection laws and regulations.

The information is written in two blockchains. The very functional Metaverse blockchain has the advantage that the mining (writing to the Blockchain) is done in very short intervals.

The Bitcoin blockchain is the most used public blockchain solution worldwide, which ensures data integrity. With our solution, the transfer to the Bitcoin blockchain takes place once a week.

Infographic | With PREO, used software transfers are additionally secured via the blockchain technology

How Secure Is the Market for Used Software?

If you buy used software keys anywhere on the Internet, you may be exposed to legal risks. On the one hand, there is not always the necessary transparency, on the other hand, the software keys can also come from volume licenses that were not originally sold in the EU.

In such cases, you may face problems when checking the legality of your activated standard software. To put it bluntly, this can result in a heavy fine, which you would no longer have any legal recourse against. Microsoft is very consistent in pursuing such cases.

Our Recommendation: Take Advantage of Used Software, but Only From a Reliable Source.

When buying used software, do not only look at the price, but also consider the transfer quality and legal security of your purchases. With PREO, you receive sound, all-round advice and three-fold protection for each individual licence.

References

Sidebar image | Architectural symbolic image for customer cases on trading second hand software | Source: Marisa04, pixabay

Our references speak for themselves

Over 5,000 reputable customers domestically and abroad have already worked with PREO and cut their IT costs with secure used software. Here you will find a small selection of businesses that have trusted us for years.

Download centre

Sidebar image | Architectural symbol image of the PREO download archive for press material, use cases etc. | Source: Matt Dodd, Unsplash

More details about PREO and security

You will find further information about PREO AG, the lawfulness of used software and press materials in our download centre.

Product overview

Sidebar image | Architectural symbol image for PREO's Software Shop: purchase used software licenses | Source: Dave Mullen, Unsplash

Do you need a certain software package for your company or project?

Scroll through our product portfolio and find the right licence for you. Simply select the used software you need and add it to your enquiry list with one click.

CURRENT LEGAL POSITION

Sidebar image | Architectural symbol image for the used software legal situation | Source: Berk Ozdemir, Pexels

Everything you need to know about the legal position on “trading in used software

What is the latest legal position? Where can you find legally compliant licences? What do you need to consider when buying used software? You will find answers to these questions and plenty more information on our “Right of use” page.

Standard Security: With “Safe3-System” and Blockchain