# Pulse Plans and Entitlements (Community / Relay / Pro / Cloud / MSP)

This document explains Pulse's user-facing plan structure, the locked self-hosted commercial model, and how those plans map to runtime feature gates.

For the canonical, code-aligned entitlement table (including internal tier names), see:
- `docs/architecture/ENTITLEMENT_MATRIX.md`

## Plan Mapping (User-Facing -> Code Tiers)

Pulse uses capability keys (for example, `ai_autofix`) to gate features at runtime. Those capabilities are bundled into internal tiers in `pkg/licensing/features.go`.

User-facing plans map to internal tiers as follows:
- **Community**: `free`
- **Relay**: `relay`
- **Pro**: `pro`, `pro_annual`, `lifetime`
- **Cloud**: `cloud` for hosted Pro-level instances, with `enterprise` for internal multi-organization add-ons
- **MSP**: signed provider MSP license using `msp_*` plan versions, with Enterprise/custom terms for higher client counts or white-label report branding

Notes:
- `lifetime` keeps the same runtime feature set as Pro, and lifetime plus grandfathered recurring legacy entitlements are not metered by self-hosted monitoring or child-resource volume under the current v6 policy. Other migrated legacy paid installs can still carry cohort continuity metadata for support and audit, but self-hosted monitoring volume is no longer the paid gate.
- `pro_plus` remains a legacy compatibility tier for existing holders. It is not a current public self-hosted plan because monitored-system volume is no longer the paid boundary.
- Items marked **Enterprise*** require an Enterprise/custom entitlement rather than the base hosted or MSP tier.
- If you are self-hosting, you can use capability keys and `GET /api/license/features` to discover exactly what is active in your instance.
- Ordinary self-hosted Pulse stays free-first. MSP and Enterprise paths are explicit commercial paths and should not appear in normal self-hosted monitoring flows.

## Self-Hosted Commercial Model

Pulse does not monetize self-hosted users on monitored-system volume. The counted
unit remains a monitored system for product understanding, migrations, and
inventory truth, but self-hosted core monitoring is not the paid gate.

Self-hosted pricing is:

| Plan | Price | Core monitoring | Metric history | Purpose |
|---|---:|---|---:|---|
| Community | Free | Included | 7 days | Full self-hosted monitoring for normal homelab use |
| Relay | $39/yr or $4.99/mo | Included | 14 days | Remote web access, Pulse Mobile pairing for handoff, push, and convenience |
| Pro | $79/yr or $8.99/mo | Included | 90 days | AI operations and advanced admin features |

Counted examples:
- Proxmox PVE node
- PBS or PMG server
- Standalone Linux, Windows, or macOS host
- Docker host
- TrueNAS or Unraid system
- Kubernetes cluster

Not counted separately:
- VMs
- containers
- pods
- disks
- pools
- datastores
- backup jobs
- other child resources under a counted top-level system

Runtime rules:
- API-backed monitoring and agent-backed monitoring use the same counted-system
  model. Self-hosted public plans include core monitoring without a
  monitored-system volume gate; finite
  capacity policies apply only where a hosted, enterprise, or explicit
  compatibility policy says so.
- If the same system is seen through both paths, it counts once.
- Deduplication follows canonical unified-resource identity rather than transport-specific state.

Migration policy:
- Legacy recurring Pulse Pro subscriptions already active before the public v6 pricing cutover keep their grandfathered recurring price until cancellation. Self-hosted monitoring and child-resource volume are not metered under the current v6 policy.
- Existing lifetime license holders remain valid, with self-hosted monitoring and child-resource volume not metered under the current v6 policy.
- Supported legacy paid v5 migrations outside that recurring grandfathered path can still exchange into the v6 activation model without losing self-hosted monitoring access. Migration metadata can preserve the original cohort for support and audit, but monitored-system volume is no longer the paid gate.

### Paid Customer Continuity Matrix

| Customer cohort | What happens in v6 | Pricing and capacity outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy recurring subscriber from a v5 or earlier Pulse Pro monthly/annual plan, already active before the public v6 pricing cutover | The install can migrate into the v6 activation model without forcing a repurchase. | The existing recurring price stays in place while the subscription remains continuously active; self-hosted monitoring and child-resource volume are not metered under the current v6 policy. |
| Existing lifetime license holder | The license remains valid through the v6 licensing transition. | Lifetime remains permanently valid; self-hosted monitoring and child-resource volume are not metered under the current v6 policy. |
| Legacy paid v5 license migrated into v6 outside the recurring grandfathered path | The install can still exchange into the v6 activation model without forcing a repurchase. Migration records can still preserve the original cohort for support and audit. | Self-hosted monitoring stays available; monitored-system volume is no longer sold as a paid gate on current v6 self-hosted plans. |
| Former recurring subscriber who already canceled or later lapses/cancels | A later return is treated as a new paid purchase, not as a grandfathered renewal. | The old grandfathered price does not resume automatically; current public v6 pricing applies for paid features while self-hosted monitoring remains included without a monitored-system volume gate. |
| New self-hosted v6 purchase | The purchase uses the current Community / Relay / Pro self-hosted plans. | Core monitoring is included by default; paid value comes from convenience, AI, history, and advanced admin features. |

Support rule:
- If any self-hosted v6 install shows a finite monitored-system, guest, or child-resource volume limit after activation or migration, treat it as a bug rather than as intended policy.

## V6 Product Classification

Pulse keeps some entitlement keys for compatibility, but not every Pro
capability key is a primary v6 product pillar.

### Build On In v6

These are the current self-hosted Pro pillars that Pulse should keep
investing in, surfacing, and marketing:
- Patrol investigates issues.
- Patrol handles safe fixes through approval-backed execution and Patrol mode.
- 90-day history.
- Included team/admin extras: RBAC, audit logging, reporting, and agent
  profiles. SSO is included with Community and higher tiers.

### Compatibility-Only In v6

These remain valid runtime gates for backwards compatibility, but should not
be elevated into headline Pro marketing or generic upgrade prompts:
- `FeatureKubernetesAI` / `kubernetes_ai`
  - Keeps the legacy `/api/ai/kubernetes/analyze` route gate intact.
  - Do not present it as a primary Pulse Pro pillar on current v6 surfaces.

### Legacy / Retired Claims

These should not appear as current v6 Pro promises unless they are rebuilt
into first-class product surfaces:
- `incident memory` as a standalone feature name
- `scheduled automated fixes`
- `execution audit trail`

## Paid Feature Proof Map

Use this map before adding or changing public Pulse Pro/Relay copy. A feature is safe to sell only
when the claim has a runtime gate, presentation copy, and at least one regression proof. The
automated proof bundle also checks that ordinary self-hosted sessions stay free-first and do not
surface upgrade prompts unless the user deliberately enters a commercial path.

| Claim | Runtime source | Regression proof |
|---|---|---|
| Self-hosted monitoring is not sold by monitored-system or child-resource volume. | `pkg/licensing/features.go` and `pkg/licensing/entitlement_payload.go` normalize self-hosted limits to the current no-volume-gate policy. | `pkg/licensing/grant_claims_contract_test.go`, `pkg/licensing/activation_types_test.go`, and `internal/api/licensing_handlers_auto_migrate_test.go` prove self-hosted paid/legacy continuity does not surface finite monitored-system allowances. |
| Relay includes secure remote web access, Pulse Mobile pairing for handoff, push notifications, and 14-day history. | `pkg/licensing/features.go` grants `relay`, `mobile_app`, `push_notifications`, and `long_term_metrics` to Relay with `TierHistoryDays[relay] == 14`; relay onboarding/settings routes are gated behind Relay. | `pkg/licensing/features_test.go`, `pkg/licensing/entitlement_payload_test.go`, `internal/api/relay_sso_license_gating_test.go`, and `frontend-modern/src/components/Settings/__tests__/RelaySettingsPanel.runtime.test.tsx`. |
| Pro includes Patrol issue investigation and verified fix actions. | `internal/api/ai_handlers.go` gates alert-triggered analysis behind `ai_alerts` and fix/autonomy behavior behind `ai_autofix`; `internal/ai/service.go` enforces the same capabilities in service-level paths. | `pkg/licensing/features_test.go`, `internal/api/router_routes_ai_execute_stream_test.go`, `internal/api/ai_intelligence_handlers_remediation_more_test.go`, and `frontend-modern/src/pages/__tests__/AIIntelligence.test.tsx`. |
| Pro includes 90-day history. | `pkg/licensing/features.go` sets `TierHistoryDays[pro] == 90`; `pkg/licensing/entitlement_payload.go` emits `max_history_days`; `frontend-modern/src/stores/license.ts` and `frontend-modern/src/components/shared/useHistoryChartState.ts` lock ranges above the entitlement. | `pkg/licensing/features_test.go`, `pkg/licensing/entitlement_payload_test.go`, and `frontend-modern/src/stores/__tests__/license.test.ts`. |
| Pro includes business/admin extras: RBAC, audit logging, reporting, and agent profiles. | Router and settings gates use `rbac`, `audit_logging`, `advanced_reporting`, and `agent_profiles`; audit capture is SQLite-backed in `pkg/server/server.go` and `pkg/audit/sqlite_factory.go`, while query/export remains license-gated. | `internal/api/security_regression_test.go`, `internal/api/rbac_lifecycle_test.go`, `pkg/reporting/catalog_test.go`, and `frontend-modern/src/components/Settings/__tests__/settingsNavigation.integration.test.tsx`. |

## Feature Matrix

Legend:
- Included: `Y` / `N`
- `Y*`: Enterprise/custom only (`enterprise` tier or explicit entitlement)

This matrix is derived from the canonical table in `docs/architecture/ENTITLEMENT_MATRIX.md` plus runtime history/limit semantics exposed through entitlements.

| Constant | Capability Key | Display Name | Community | Relay | Pro | Cloud | Primary Gating Mechanism / Notes |
|---|---|---|:---:|:---:|:---:|:---:|---|
| `FeatureAIPatrol` | `ai_patrol` | Pulse Patrol (Background Health Checks) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Patrol itself is available on Community with your own provider or local model. Higher-autonomy outcomes and fix execution are separately gated. |
| `FeatureRelay` | `relay` | Remote Access (Mobile Relay) | N | Y | Y | Y | API route gating via `RequireLicenseFeature(..., relay, ...)` for relay settings and onboarding endpoints. |
| `FeatureAIAlerts` | `ai_alerts` | Patrol Investigates Issues | N | N | Y | Y | API route gating via `RequireLicenseFeature(..., ai_alerts, ...)`. |
| `FeatureAIAutoFix` | `ai_autofix` | Patrol Handles Safe Fixes | N | N | Y | Y | Required for governed fix execution and automatic Patrol actions. |
| `FeatureKubernetesAI` | `kubernetes_ai` | Kubernetes AI Analysis (Compatibility) | N | N | Y | Y | Legacy compatibility gate for `/api/ai/kubernetes/analyze`; not a primary marketed v6 Pro plan pillar. |
| `FeatureAgentProfiles` | `agent_profiles` | Centralized Agent Profiles | N | N | Y | Y | API route gating via `RequireLicenseFeature(..., agent_profiles, ...)`. |
| `FeatureUpdateAlerts` | `update_alerts` | Update Alerts (Container/Package Updates) | Y | Y | Y | Y | Included in Community tier per `TierFeatures[TierFree]`. |
| `FeatureSSO` | `sso` | Core SSO (OIDC/SAML) | Y | Y | Y | Y | OIDC and SAML SSO are included in Community tier. |
| `FeatureAdvancedSSO` | `advanced_sso` | Multi-Provider SSO | Y | Y | Y | Y | Compatibility capability key; retained for existing entitlement payloads and included in Community to avoid an SSO tax. |
| `FeatureRBAC` | `rbac` | Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) | N | N | Y | Y | API route gating via `RequireLicenseFeature(..., rbac, ...)`. |
| `FeatureAuditLogging` | `audit_logging` | Audit Logging | N | N | Y | Y | API route gating for audit query, verify, and export endpoints. |
| `FeatureAdvancedReporting` | `advanced_reporting` | PDF/CSV Reporting | N | N | Y | Y | API route gating via `RequireLicenseFeature(..., advanced_reporting, ...)`. |
| `FeatureLongTermMetrics` | `long_term_metrics` | Extended Metric History | N | Y | Y | Y | Runtime history limits are tier-aware through `max_history_days`: Community `7`, Relay `14`, Pro `90`. |
| `FeatureMultiUser` | `multi_user` | Multi-User Mode | N | N | N | Y* | Enterprise/custom only. |
| `FeatureMultiTenant` | `multi_tenant` | Multi-Tenant Mode | N | N | N | Y* | Requires both `PULSE_MULTI_TENANT_ENABLED=true` and the `multi_tenant` capability for non-default orgs. |
| `FeatureUnlimited` | `unlimited` | Hosted Capacity Policy | N | N | N | Y | Hosted/enterprise capacity policy only; not a self-hosted core monitoring gate. |
| `FeatureWhiteLabel` | `white_label` | White-Label Report Branding | N | N | N | Y* | Gates custom report branding. Provider defaults and per-client overrides render only when this entitlement is active. |

## Patrol Modes

Patrol mode decides how far Pulse can go after Patrol finds something that needs attention. Assistant chat command access is configured separately.

| Mode | Behavior | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| **Watch only** | Detect issues only. No investigation or fix execution. | Community / Relay |
| **Ask before changes** | Investigates findings and proposes fixes. All fixes require approval before execution. | Pro / hosted Cloud |
| **Auto-fix safe issues** | Runs approved safe fixes and verifies the outcome. Critical findings require approval by default. | Pro / hosted Cloud |
| **Policy autopilot** | Runs eligible policy-approved fixes without approval when explicitly enabled. | Pro / hosted Cloud |

## What You Get (By Plan)

### Community
- Core self-hosted monitoring included without a monitored-system volume gate.
- 7-day history.
- Pulse Patrol with your own provider or local model.
- Core SSO and update alerts.

### Relay
- Everything in Community, plus:
- 14-day history.
- Remote access via Relay.
- Pulse Mobile pairing for handoff and push notifications.

### Pro
- Everything in Relay, plus:
- Patrol investigates issues.
- Patrol handles safe fixes through Patrol mode.
- Centralized agent profiles.
- RBAC, audit logging, and advanced reporting.
- 90-day history.

### Legacy Pro+
- Existing Pro+ entitlements remain supported for current holders, but Pro+ is no longer presented as a public self-hosted plan because monitored-system volume is no longer the paid boundary.

### Cloud
- Hosted Pulse with Pro-level capabilities and hosted lifecycle management.
- Cloud Enterprise adds internal multi-organization mode and multi-user mode.

### MSP
- Provider-hosted MSP is request-assisted and license-backed. The MSP runs a Stripe-free provider control plane that creates one isolated Pulse runtime per client workspace.
- Each client runtime keeps its own data, alerts, webhooks, users, audit history, report settings, and branded PDF reports when `white_label` is granted.
- Pulse-hosted MSP is an optional request-assisted path where Pulse operates the provider stack.

## License Activation and Introspection

Pulse plan upgrades are activated locally with a license key.

- License key storage: `license.enc` under the Pulse config directory (encrypted; requires `.encryption.key` to decrypt).
- Export/import note: license files are not included in exports, so you typically re-activate after migrations.
- Pulse v6 prefers v6 activation keys, but it can migrate valid Pulse v5 Pro or Lifetime JWT-style licenses into the v6 activation model.
- If a v5 license is already persisted on disk during upgrade and no v6 activation state exists yet, Pulse will try to auto-exchange it on startup.
- If you are activating manually in v6, paste the v6 activation key shown on the hosted checkout success page. A backup copy is also sent by email. You can also paste a valid v5 Pro or Lifetime license key and Pulse will try to exchange it automatically.
- If the exchange cannot complete, retry from the v6 license panel or use the self-serve retrieval flow to fetch the current v6 activation key.

### Feature Status API

You can inspect active feature gates via:
- `GET /api/license/features` (authenticated)

This returns a feature map including keys like `relay`, `ai_alerts`, `ai_autofix`, `agent_profiles`, and `multi_tenant` so you can conditionally enable paid workflows safely.

## Deep Dives

- [Pulse Patrol Deep Dive](architecture/pulse-patrol-deep-dive.md)
- [Pulse Assistant Deep Dive](architecture/pulse-assistant-deep-dive.md)
- [Pulse Intelligence overview](AI.md)