The period software licensing system allows the customer to create a software license schedule that includes one or more time periods during which application file usage is allowed and identifies the maximum number of concurrent application files allowed during the corresponding time period. The software license schedule may include a plurality of time periods each having a different corresponding maximum number of concurrent user allowed. The software management system authorizes concurrent usage of application files based on the time period during which an application file usage request is received and the number of concurrent users presently authorized.