Purchasing software through a grant is a common part of digitalisation projects, but it has more rules than an ordinary order. What is eligible is generally the purchase price of the software including implementation, data migration and training, if these are part of the delivery. A distinction is made between purchasing a ready-made solution and custom development – with development, licensing terms and access to the source code need to be specifically addressed, so that the company does not remain dependent on a single supplier, which also tends to be subject to a review of economy. Software procured through a grant is usually an asset tied up for the duration of the sustainability period, so it cannot be sold or discontinued without consent. With licences, watch the type: a perpetual licence is assessed differently from a subscription, of which only the part falling within the project implementation period tends to be eligible.
See also: Cloud services in a project, Ownership of the website and source code, Eligible expenditure.
