The phrase refers to the act of acquiring, without cost, access to intellectual capital management and planning software produced by IDS Scheer, commonly known as ARIS. This type of software enables businesses to model, analyze, and optimize their processes, strategies, and IT infrastructure. Its utilization can range from designing workflows to managing enterprise architecture, often requiring specialized skills and training to leverage its full potential.
The availability of complimentary versions lowers the barrier to entry for smaller organizations or individuals seeking to explore business process management methodologies. Historical context reveals that such free offerings often serve as a gateway to encourage adoption of premium, feature-rich versions that cater to the complex needs of larger enterprises. The advantage lies in cost savings during the initial phases of implementation, enabling a proof-of-concept or limited deployment before committing to a paid subscription.