Getting Audhive
Cloud subscription or self-hosted – what is the difference?#
It is the same software with the same functions – only the operation differs:
- Cloud subscription: your own instance at an address such as yourcompany.audhive.io, operated by us – with its own database, updates and central backups. Monthly or yearly, renews automatically and can be cancelled at the end of the term.
- Self-hosted (on-premises): Audhive runs on your own web server and your data stays in your environment. The licence is valid for one installation and is activated online. Suitable if data must not leave your environment or if you operate Audhive for several clients yourself.
If you need help with the installation or training for your team, we can support you – contact us.
What does Audhive cost?#
The current prices for subscriptions and self-hosted packages are shown under Pricing – they come directly from the IT Services Schneeberger shop, so they are always up to date. Orders and payment are handled on www.it-sb.ch; you see the scope and terms before you order. The AI access is not included (see AI features).
How do I pay, and how do I cancel?#
The subscription is paid monthly or yearly via PayPal or by card. It renews automatically and can be cancelled at the end of the term – in Audhive under Admin › Account and subscription or with a message to us. Self-hosted licences are bought once per package and paid online; the licence key and the download link arrive by e-mail.
Licensing
How is Audhive licensed?#
Every subscription and every package defines four things:
- Mode: SEC (security audit), ICS (internal controls) or FULL (both).
- Tenants: business units, subsidiaries or clients, strictly separated from each other.
- Users per tenant: every tenant brings this number of users.
- Additional users: a shared pool for all tenants, not tied to a specific tenant.
Users in total = tenants × users per tenant + additional users. Example: 2 tenants with 3 users each plus 4 additional users = 10 users. Self-hosted licences also have a term (or are perpetual).
What do SEC, ICS and FULL mean?#
- SEC – Security audit: controls according to ISO 27001 / the Swiss IKT minimum standard, evidence, KPI dashboard, risks.
- ICS – Internal controls: internal control system, questionnaires and signatures.
- FULL – both: all functions in one installation.
The mode always follows what you bought and is set automatically – in the subscription from the plan, when self-hosting from the licence key (already during the installation). With SEC or ICS the mode is fixed; with FULL you choose SEC, ICS or a custom mode later under Admin › Settings. Another mode needs another plan or package.
On how many servers may I install Audhive? Can I move it?#
A self-hosted licence is valid for exactly one installation. It is not bound to a domain – you may change the server name or address. To move to another server, choose Admin › Settings › License › “Release licence (move)” in the existing installation, then enter the key in the setup of the new installation. If you try to activate the key a second time without releasing it, the setup reports that the licence is already active in another installation.
Does a self-hosted installation need an internet connection?#
Only an outgoing HTTPS connection. The licence is activated online during the installation and then verified with the licence server (license.it-sb.ch) every 7 days. If that is not possible, Audhive keeps working for up to 30 days without a connection. After that, the data stays readable but changes are blocked until the verification succeeds again (Admin › Settings › License › “Verify now”). Updates come from updates.it-sb.ch; the optional AI features talk directly to the AI provider.
Can I add tenants or users later?#
Yes – for the subscription and for self-hosted licences. You can choose additional tenants and users right when you order. Later, a global admin buys more directly in Audhive (Admin › Account and subscription in the cloud, Admin › Settings › License when self-hosting, button “Buy tenants/users”) or on www.it-sb.ch – add tenants or users.
- You only pay the share until the next payment (subscription) or until the licence expires (licence with a term); for perpetual licences there is a one-off price.
- With the subscription the new price applies from the next payment.
- The new limits apply in the cloud automatically shortly afterwards, when self-hosting after “Verify now”.
- Reducing is possible on request.
Operation
How do updates work?#
In the cloud we install updates for you. Self-hosted, an administrator gets new versions with a valid licence from our update service: Admin › Update › “Check for updates”. The packages are digitally signed and checked before installation; Audhive makes a backup before it applies an update. With “Set up daily check” Audhive looks for new versions every day (scheduled job) and can notify you by e-mail.
How is my data backed up?#
Cloud: every instance is backed up centrally and encrypted every night; you can export your data yourself at any time. Self-hosted: you are responsible for your backups. Audhive helps with Admin › Backup – database and uploaded files in one archive, also as a scheduled job – and backs up automatically before every update. In addition, include the server in your normal backup.
Where is my data stored?#
Self-hosted: on your own server – Audhive only contacts the licence and update service (licence status, no audit data). Cloud: every customer gets their own instance with its own database, operated by IT Services Schneeberger on its own servers in Switzerland. If you use the optional AI features, the content concerned is sent directly from your installation or instance to the AI provider you chose (Anthropic or OpenAI) – not via us.
How do users sign in, and who sees what?#
Either with Audhive's own accounts – password plus a second factor (authenticator app/TOTP or passkey) – or via single sign-on with Microsoft Entra ID. Roles define which areas a user may see or edit (overview, controls, audit, documents, questionnaire, control set, change log, executive board, admin), and access is granted per tenant. Every action and every sign-in is recorded in the audit log.
Which languages does Audhive support?#
The user interface is available in German and English; every user chooses their language. Findings can be recorded in both languages and reports created in German or English. With the optional AI translation, content such as controls and audits can be translated.
AI features
Do I need AI? What is included?#
No – everything works without AI except the AI features themselves. They are optional and only work with your own API key from Anthropic (Claude) or OpenAI (ChatGPT), which you buy directly from the provider on their terms; the provider bills you directly. The AI access is included neither in the licence nor in the subscription. You enter the key in your installation or instance (Admin › Settings › AI).
Features that use AI: the assistant (questions about audits, controls and evidence, also about uploaded documents), the AI review of a control (implementation and evidence, with gaps and a summary), translating content, and questions to the help. Check AI results before you use them.
Demo, partners, support
Can I try Audhive first?#
Yes. Use “Try the demo” on the home page: you receive a personal access to the demo instance demo.audhive.io by e-mail. It contains fictitious companies and data and is reset every night at 00:00 (Zurich time). Some functions are view-only in the demo – for example users, roles and your own account – and no e-mails are sent to third parties.
Are there conditions for partners and resellers?#
Yes. IT service providers, fiduciary, audit and consulting firms can resell or refer Audhive – conditions by agreement. More on the page for partners and resellers.
How do I get support?#
Write to or use the contact form. In the cloud, a global admin can grant us temporary access when needed: Admin › Account and subscription creates a one-time support code (valid for 30 minutes, 2 hours or 24 hours, revocable); every action during the support session is logged. In Audhive itself, the Help button on each page explains the area you are in.
Not answered? The help section describes system requirements, installation and the first steps – or ask us directly.