Simatic net ie softnet-s7 lean

hello guys

could any one tell me what is SIMATIC NET IE SOFTNET-S7 LEAN and SIMATIC NET IE SOFTNET-S7 basis used for ?

IE Softnet is a comms software for a regular ethernet card in a PC.
Typically for providing an OPC Server.
Other uses are in combination with WinAC, WinCC and/or WinCC Flexible.
LEAN is limited to max 8 connections.
BASIS is limited to max 16 connections.

is that for 8 pc connections to the OPC
or 8 plc connections in the opc you can get variables from?