Dassault Systèmes ditches fixed licences for pay-per-use software pricing

Dassault Systèmes has unveiled a major shift in how it charges for its software. The company is moving away from fixed seat licences to a system where customers pay based on actual usage. Investors reacted cautiously, with shares falling 3.41% on Euronext Paris after the news broke.

The new pricing model marks a fundamental change for the French software giant. Instead of paying upfront for licences, customers will now be billed according to how much they use the tools. Company officials stated the goal is to better match costs with the value generated for clients.

Analysts suggest the move could encourage sustainable growth, particularly as AI integration becomes more central to operations. The DACH region, home to major clients like Siemens and BMW, may see some of the biggest effects from this transition. Meanwhile, competitors in the software sector have already adopted similar usage-based models, reporting steadier profit margins as a result. The timing of the change has raised questions. Morgan Stanley recently downgraded Dassault Systèmes to 'neutral', citing concerns about a possible cyclical downturn in 2026. The next quarterly earnings report will provide clearer insight into how the pricing shift affects revenue and customer loyalty.

The switch to usage-based billing reflects a broader trend in the software industry. Dassault Systèmes will now monitor customer adoption closely as the model rolls out. Market watchers will be paying attention to whether the change stabilises long-term growth or presents new challenges.