Choosing the Right SAST Licensing Model for Speed and Security

The code was secure until the update broke everything. Static Application Security Testing—SAST—caught it, but the real problem was the licensing model.

SAST tools help find vulnerabilities before code goes live, but the licensing determines how, when, and even if your team can use them. The wrong model slows releases, limits scans, and adds hidden costs. The right model gives unlimited scanning, full integration into CI/CD, and predictable pricing that doesn’t punish growth.

Most SAST licensing models fall into three categories:

Per-Seat Licensing – Charges per developer or user account. Simple for small teams, but scaling drives costs up fast.

Per-Line-of-Code Licensing – Costs depend on the size of the codebase. Predictable for stable projects, expensive for rapid scaling or large repositories.

Unlimited or Enterprise Licensing – One fee for unlimited scanning across users and codebases. Best fit for organizations with multiple projects and active pipelines.

To choose well, analyze your pipeline frequency, repository size, and expected growth. Factor in how often you need scans and how quickly you ship code. Integrate SAST into pre-commit hooks, pull request checks, and nightly builds—then make sure your license matches that cadence without throttling.

Licensing Model SAST decisions are not about features; they are about velocity. A model that matches your workflow unlocks maximum coverage while keeping costs stable. One that doesn’t will force trade-offs between security and delivery speed.

Select a license with automation in mind. Demand transparent pricing, no arbitrary limits, and support for every environment in your stack. Pair it with a tool that runs fast and integrates everywhere your code lives.

See how the right Licensing Model SAST feels with hoop.dev—deploy your pipeline and start scanning in minutes.