# Licensed Software

## License Reservations

MSI provides several packages with a limited number of licenses, which means a limited number of users can use the software concurrently. To reserve a license, use our calendar system by clicking the package you want to reserve:

- [COMSOL](packages/comsol.md)
- [Materials Studio](packages/materialsstudio.md)
- [Mimics](packages/mimics.md)
- [GraphPad Prism](packages/graphpad.md)
- [USEARCH](packages/usearch.md)
- [Imaris](packages/imaris.md)
- [Abaqus](packages/abaqus.md)

<!---
To add a package, create a new md file in the `packages` directory, using another package as the template.

You will need a link to the google form that requests calendar slots, which are managed by the msi-software-res UMN account as google Apps Scripts.

You will also need the iframe embed code for the calendar(s) corresponding to that particular software. These calendars are managed by the same msi-software-res account.
-->

If a user is found to be using the software without a calendar reservation, MSI reserves the right to cancel the user's session. As of December 2025, if a user is found to be using the software without a calendar reservation repeatedly (more than once), MSI reserves the right to remove the user's access rights to that software. 

Additionally, if a valid reservation exists on a software calendar but the license is not actively used during the reserved time, Help Desk staff reserves the right to modify or remove that reservation to free up licenses for other potential users. To avoid having your reservation unexpectedly removed, please ensure you are reserving the license only for the period of time necessary to run your job.

## Licensed Software Issues

MSI attempts to renew all software licenses on schedule to prevent interruptions in service. On occasion, external factors may prevent us from doing so. [Software pages](../package_docs/index) will include a notice if there is a known license outage. Notify the [MSI Help Desk](mailto:help@msi.umn.edu) if you are experiencing an issue with licenses; include the software title and your machine name.

Keep in mind that MSI attends to software based on its [service level](../software_modules). While this level typically determines how/when software versions are updated, it also has implications on when license renewals are initiated.