Qualys Units (QLU) Frequently Asked Questions

A Qualys Unit (QLU) or QFlex represents your subscription investment across Qualys products. Instead of purchasing separate licenses for each product, you subscribe to a pool of QLU units and allocate them to different Qualys applications as your needs evolve. We have compiled a list of questions you may have for Qualys Units.  

The QLU model provides greater flexibility, transparency, and control. The model supports faster scaling, quick adoption of new capabilities, and seamless reallocation under a single spend commitment. 

The new approach introduces a standardized and predictable framework based on QLUs. This framework clearly defines assets, applies consistent calculation methods, and maintains transparent communication. As a result, it reduces ambiguity and builds stronger customer trust. 

The QLU model replaces unlimited licensing with standardized and controlled policies.  The model lowers operational overhead, improves cost predictability, and ensures fair usage. Administrators can allow exceptions only with executive approval. 

The platform provides a centralized Entitlements and Subscription view with visibility into: 

• All purchased products 

• Total QLUs 

• QLU allocation status 

• Subscription start and renewal dates 

• Active products 

Real-time consumption tracking, visual indicators, and proactive alerts ensure continuous usage visibility and help prevent unexpected overages. 

Yes. QLU Management assigns, adjusts, and reallocates QLUs across products. Only authorized users can modify allocations. 

QLU allocations can be updated once every 90 days. You can adjust units as your security priorities shift, without having to purchase additional licenses immediately. 

Consumption Analytics tracks current, past, and future usage. It shows overutilized and underutilized products. The insights help teams optimize consumption and plan budgets. Teams can download and share reports for planning and audits. 

Qualys delivers reporting and compliance through detailed reports and audit logs. The platform tracks subscription status, allocation changes, and QLU consumption history. Administrators generate reports, maintain audit trails, and export data for stakeholders and compliance reviews. This approach ensures transparency, accountability, and adherence to best governance practices. 

By default, the system allows only Subscription (POC) users to access the QLU Management and Entitlement pages. Administrators can grant access to other users by assigning custom roles with the required permissions. 

Qualys notifies customers through email and in platform notifications displayed at login. The platform communicates key events such as QLU allocation and reallocation, product trial activation, and usage reaching defined thresholds. These notifications help customers stay informed and take timely action. 

Customers can use the QLU calculator in the Customer Support Portal (CSP) to estimate the number of units they need. The calculator considers the applications they plan to use and the number of assets they want to protect with each Qualys application. Customers can also contact their Technical Account Manager (TAM) for personalized guidance. 

Customers can contact their Technical Account Manager (TAM) at any time to request additional Qualys units. After purchase, the system adds the new QLU to the subscription and makes it immediately available for allocation. 

Customers can activate trials directly from the Qualys platform. They can go to the All Products section on the Subscription page under the Administration tab and enable a trial for any application with a single click, without contacting Qualys support. Trials run for a limited time and cover a restricted number of assets. Customers can assign purchased QLUs to the application at any time during or after the trial to unlock full capabilities.