Bartender Barcode And Label Design Software
Here’s an overview of the BarTender Starter Edition and BarTender Professional Edition software, along with details about the licensing options, including the perpetual and subscription models.
BarTender Starter Edition
The bartender barcode software is an entry-level version of the software designed for smaller businesses or users with basic labeling and barcode printing needs. It’s ideal for those who need straightforward label creation and barcode printing without advanced features.
Key Features:
- Barcode Creation: Supports a variety of 1D and 2D barcodes, including Code 128, Code 39, QR codes, and DataMatrix.
- Label Design: Offers an easy-to-use interface for creating custom labels. You can add text, images, barcodes, and basic design elements.
- Basic Templates: Provides a library of basic templates that can be easily modified.
- Basic Printing: You can connect it to common label printers for printing barcodes and labels.
- No Database Integration: The Starter Edition does not have database connectivity features, limiting it to manual entry of information for labels.
Ideal for:
- Small businesses or startups.
- Simple labeling needs, where minimal customization or database connection is required.
BarTender Professional Edition
The BarTender Professional Edition is a more advanced version of the software and is designed for businesses that need greater control over label design, barcode printing, and integration with data sources.
Key Features:
- Advanced Barcode Creation: Supports more complex barcode formats (e.g., GS1, UCC, EAN, UPC), 1D, and 2D barcodes like QR codes, DataMatrix, PDF417, and more.
- Label Design Flexibility: Offers greater flexibility and advanced tools for designing sophisticated labels, including multi-layer graphics, complex formatting, and special effects.
- Database Connectivity: Allows integration with external databases (e.g., Microsoft Excel, SQL, Access), enabling dynamic variable data printing, such as serial numbers, product codes, and inventory information.
- Automation: Supports integration with other software systems and automation workflows, allowing for streamlined label printing and data management.
- Enhanced Printer Support: Includes more advanced printer options, including thermal printers and label applicators.
- Security Features: Includes password protection, user authentication, and detailed audit trails for high-security environments.
Ideal for:
- Medium to large businesses with more complex labeling and barcode needs.
- Users who need database connectivity, automation, and more robust features for printing labels.
Licensing Options
BarTender offers two types of licenses for these software editions: Perpetual License and Subscription License.
Perpetual License
- One-time Purchase: With a perpetual license, you pay once and own the software forever. This means you get the version you purchased, and it is yours indefinitely.
- No Recurring Fees: There are no recurring fees for the license itself. However, if you want to receive updates or technical support after the initial purchase period, you will need to purchase a Software Maintenance Agreement.
- Updates: You get updates to the version you own, but if you don’t have the maintenance agreement, you may not get access to major new versions or patches.
- Support: Perpetual license holders without a maintenance agreement may need to pay separately for technical support.
Subscription License
- Annual Fee: With a subscription license, you pay an annual fee to use the software. The subscription ensures that you always have access to the latest version and updates as they are released.
- Always Up-to-Date: Subscription license holders receive regular updates, ensuring they always have the latest features, improvements, and bug fixes.
- Free Technical Support: Subscription licenses include free technical support for the duration of the subscription period, which is a key benefit for businesses that require assistance.
- Flexibility: Subscription licenses are ideal for businesses that want to stay current with new features and improvements and prefer to budget for annual payments rather than a one-time purchase.
Which License is Right for You?
- Perpetual License: Ideal for businesses with a fixed budget who prefer to pay once and have the software for the long term. However, it requires careful planning for updates and potential support costs in the future.
- Subscription License: Best suited for businesses that want ongoing access to the latest features and updates, and who may need continuous support. It provides flexibility and convenience for staying current with changes in technology and business needs.
Comparison Table: BarTender Starter vs. BarTender Professional
Feature | BarTender Starter | BarTender Professional |
Basic Label Design & Printing | Included | Included (with more advanced tools) |
Dynamic Business Printing | Limited | Advanced (Database connectivity) |
Intelligent Templates™ | Not Available | Available |
Number of Users | Single User | Single or Unlimited Users |
Number of Printers | Unlimited Printers | 2+ or Unlimited Printers |
Companion Applications (Data Builder, History Explorer, etc.) | Not Included | Included |
Workflow Management | Not Supported | Supported with Add-ons |
Technical Support | Includes 1 Year | Includes 1 Year |