> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.enercalc.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/setup-and-licensing/maintenance-support-plan/sub-versus-msp.md). # Subscription versus MSP Understanding the difference between an ENERCALC subscription and a Maintenance and Support Plan. ## What is the difference between a Subscription and a Maintenance & Support Plan? The software industry is moving toward the concept of software as a service, as opposed to software for purchase. This is beneficial to the user for reasons such as: * Eliminates relatively large upfront costs associated with software purchase/upgrade * Makes software expenditures more uniform and predictable for budgeting purposes * Helps to ensure that the current build/version is always in use * Ensures continual support If a user is working with a piece of software for which they have purchased a license, then a Maintenance & Support Plan is a good option to ensure that updates and technical support continue to be available. The MSP is an option, because the software WILL continue to operate without an MSP, since it has been purchased. It's important to understand that a piece of software that is not covered by an MSP is also not receiving repairs, updates, or technical support. It's a lot like running your car without ever changing the oil or rotating the tires. If a user is working with an application through a subscription, then the software is automatically eligible for updates and the user is automatically eligible for technical support. If the subscription is terminated, access to the application ceases. The analogy here is leasing a vehicle versus purchasing one. The subscription allows you to "lease" the latest build of the software for the desired term, without having to make a big down payment. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.enercalc.com/sel-faq/setup-and-licensing/maintenance-support-plan/sub-versus-msp.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.