Proposal for Additional License Options in MikroTik CHR (p0.1 and p100)

RouterOS Virtualization
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To: MikroTik Development and Sales Teams
Subject: Proposal for Additional License Options in MikroTik CHR

Dear MikroTik Development and Sales Teams,

I am writing to formally propose the introduction of two new license tiers for MikroTik CHR: P0.1 (100 Mbps) and P100 (100,000 Mbps). These additions will complement the existing P1 (1,000 Mbps), P10 (10,000 Mbps), and P0 (Unmetered/Unlimited) options, ensuring a more flexible, scalable, and affordable licensing structure.

Justification and Benefits

1. Increased Accessibility and Affordability

  • The P0.1 (100 Mbps) option would provide a low-cost entry-level tier for small businesses, startups, and educational institutions, making MikroTik CHR more accessible to a broader user base.
  • The P100 (100,000 Mbps) option would cater to large-scale enterprises, data centers, and service providers that require ultra-high bandwidth but may not need an entirely unlimited license.

2. Expansion of Customer Base

  • Many potential customers are currently unable to justify the jump from P1 (1,000 Mbps) to P10 (10,000 Mbps) due to pricing constraints. A P0.1 (100 Mbps) option allows them to adopt MikroTik CHR at a lower cost and scale up as needed.
  • Large-scale enterprises that require high bandwidth but not an unlimited option would find P100 (100,000 Mbps) an attractive alternative to P0, leading to increased adoption among ISPs and data centers.

3. Competitive Advantage

  • Competing virtualization-based networking solutions provide a more granular approach to licensing, giving customers greater flexibility. Introducing P0.1 and P100 would place MikroTik CHR in a more competitive position in the global market.
  • Many government and corporate procurement processes require licensing options that match specific bandwidth requirements. By offering a broader range of licensing tiers, MikroTik can gain a stronger foothold in institutional and enterprise markets.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

  • The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Fair Pricing Directives encourage fair and competitive pricing models for digital services, supporting the case for more affordable licensing tiers.
  • In the United States, regulations such as the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and FCC guidelines on fair competition encourage service providers to offer scalable pricing models that do not disproportionately favor large-scale enterprises over smaller businesses.
  • Global initiatives from organizations such as the United Nations Broadband Commission advocate for affordable digital infrastructure and accessibility, which aligns with the proposal for a P0.1 (100 Mbps) affordable license.
  • Precedents in Other Industries: Many software and SaaS providers successfully implement tiered licensing models, balancing affordability with scalability. MikroTik could benefit from adopting similar structures.

Conclusion
The introduction of P0.1 (100 Mbps) and P100 (100,000 Mbps) license options would allow MikroTik CHR to reach a broader audience, increase revenue potential, and enhance its competitive standing in the networking industry. By offering these new tiers, MikroTik can provide customers with greater flexibility, affordability, and scalability while aligning with international regulatory trends and market demands.

I look forward to your consideration of this proposal and would be happy to discuss any details further.

Best regards,

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Dear Senior Consultant / senior IT specialist,
a good idea could be sending this letter to the appropriate recipients, namely sales@mikrotik.com and/or support@mikrotik.com (as opposed to posting it on a users forum).

Best regards,
jaclaz
SAFR, TUROM, RKSP [1]


[1] Self Appointed Forum Responder, Totally Unofficial Representative Of Mikrotik, Re-Known Sarcastic Poster

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:smiley:

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I would say that you can cool down a liitle bit the EXCESSIVE FORMATTING as you SHOUT in your messages. My eyes cry.

On the other hand you should rethink deeply such arguments as:

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Fair Pricing Directives encourage fair and competitive pricing models for digital services, supporting the case for more affordable licensing tiers.

Are you sure that the offer of Mikrotik’s products is unfair?

Have you already asked CISCO, JUNIPER, HPE, Aruba, ForiNet, Arista the same way as you ASK here for the VERY-VERY-VERY cheap licenses of their software? Do you suggest that car/TV/phone/any brand you wish producers should offer very cheap&affordable goods for 10% of production cost to blindly fullfill that directive?

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:smiley:

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So hardware to run even 10G is at least 5x cost of the license, not to mention the bandwidth/hardware costs. I just don’t think it’s unfair.
Now I live in US, and get Mikrotik has different markets more sensitive to pricing… but some Huawei router is still also WAY more than equivalent P0 CHR+hardware.

FWIW, @normis has highlighted the fact a a trial license only restriction is it does not allow upgrades.


LOL. I’m not sure we have regulations anymore.

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@volkirik,FWIW, your other suggestion about tcp-clamping option on WG, etc. is a good one. But if you have a ticket open, that really how they track these. Now, I think you know, but they can be applied “manually” using mangle today.

The long forum posts do little, other than annoy perhaps annoy Mikrotik - who use the release/beta/rc threads for bug reports - so reading through unrelated item - that are already track – may have the reverse effect…