Dyalog Run-Time Licences
Choose the right Dyalog Run-Time Licence for your application deployment
Dyalog Run-Time Licences are required, in addition to a current Commercial Licence or Developer Licence, if Dyalog is used to implement multi-user applications (defined as applications where the same data is shared by or exchanged between two or more users), or if Dyalog is used as a platform for applications that are distributed outside the organisation which holds the Commercial or Basic Licence—regardless of whether a fee is charged and whether the application is single or multi-user. Still unsure which Dyalog licence you need? Use our Licence Guide to help you.
In Summary
You need a Dyalog Run-Time Licence for multi-user applications or distributing applications outside your organisation. Three options: User-Based (per-user pricing, minimum 20 users, for shared servers), Cloud-Based (pricing matches your cloud provider costs), and Royalty-Based (2% of gross revenue over £5,000/year, free if under £5,000/year, ideal for start-ups). If you don’t choose one, Royalty-Based applies by default.
Dyalog Run-Time Licences
User-Based Run-Time Licences
User-based Run-Time Licences are required when applications are accessed by multiple users through a shared environment. They offer a simple, all-inclusive pricing model that covers both server and user access, making them ideal for organisations deploying shared or distributed APL applications.
Required for shared server access
A User-based Run-Time Licence is needed when several users access one or more applications on a shared server—such as via Citrix, web servers, Distributed COM or other transactional servers. The minimum configuration is 20 users.
All-inclusive pricing
The licence covers both server and user access. For example, if 20 desktop users share an application hosted on a server, a 20-user Run-Time Licence includes all necessary fees.
Facility management coverage
For Facility Management Applications, where an organisation is running a service on behalf of several client organisations, appropriate Run-Time Licences are required for each distinct customer organisation.
Per-user pricing model
These licences are priced per user. Where it is not possible to determine the number of users —such as in containerised or virtual environments—a Cloud-Based Run-Time Licence or Royalty-Based Run-Time Licence may be more appropriate.
 User-Based Run-Time Licences | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
Up to 20 users | £1,125 |
Up to 50 users | £2,250 |
Up to 100 users | £3,750 |
Up to 250 users | £6,000 |
Up to 500 users | £9,750 |
500 or more users | Contact Sales |
User-Based Run-time Licences FAQ
When do I need a User-Based Run-time Licence?
A User-Based Run-time Licence is required when several users use one or more applications on a shared server. This includes applications running under Citrix or similar platforms, web servers, or servers using Distributed COM or other transactional platforms. The minimum configuration is for 20 users.
What does a User-Based Run-time Licence include?
The licence is inclusive of all necessary components. For example, if an application allows 20 desktop users to share data on the server, a Run-time Licence for 20 users includes all relevant fees for both the desktop users and the server.
How are User-Based Run-time Licences priced?
These licences are priced on a per-user basis. If it is not possible to determine the number of users—such as in a container or virtual machine—you may need a Cloud-Based or Royalty-Based Run-time Licence instead.
What if I’m providing services to multiple clients?
For Facility Management Applications—where an organisation runs a service on behalf of several client organisations—appropriate User-Based Run-time Licences are required for each distinct customer organisation.
Dyalog Run-Time Licences
Cloud-Based Run-Time Licences
Cloud-Based Run-time Licences are required when applications are deployed and accessed via the cloud. These licences offer flexible pricing that aligns with your cloud usage, making them ideal for scalable or time-limited cloud-based APL solutions.
Required for cloud-hosted services
If your APL application runs in the cloud and provides services to users—whether regularly or only part of the year—a Cloud-Based Run-time Licence is needed.
Supports automated cloud workflows
Cloud-Based Run-time Licences also apply when cloud resources are used to accelerate or automate internal processes, such as CI tasks or parallel computations, even if no direct service is provided to users.
Pay what you pay your cloud provider
By default, licence pricing matches the amount you pay your cloud provider for running Dyalog in the cloud creating a clear and scalable model.
Custom pricing available
If your cloud usage costs are not easily identifiable, please get in touch. We’ll work with you to identify a metric that can be used to determine a fair pricing model based on your deployment needs.
Cloud-Based Run-time Licences FAQ
When is a Cloud-Based Run-time Licence required?
A Cloud-Based Run-time Licence is required when several users use one or more applications running in the cloud.
What types of cloud use are covered?
Examples include:
A service where an application that runs in the cloud provides services to users for a fraction of the working year (e.g. applications using Jarvis or MiServer)
The use of internal or external cloud resources to accelerate or automate the execution of a workflow on behalf of a controlling process, without providing a service that other users can connect to or receive data from—such as isolate servers used for parallel computation or the execution of continuous integration tasks in the cloud.
How is a Cloud-Based Run-time Licence priced?
By default, Dyalog Ltd charges the same amount as you pay your cloud provider for the computing resources used to run Dyalog in the cloud.
What if my cloud usage costs aren’t clear?
If the cloud usage costs are not easily identifiable, you should contact us to discuss pricing. We’ll work with you to agree on a metric that can be used to determine a fair price structure.
Dyalog Run-Time Licences
Royalty-Based Run-Time Licences
The Royalty-Based Run-time Licence is ideal for start-ups, consultancies, and vendors who want flexibility in pricing their APL-powered products. This model is based on revenue rather than user count, offering a practical option for early-stage or scaling businesses. The Royalty-Based Run-time Licence requires a current Commercial Licence or Basic Licence, and includes access to all Dyalog development environments.
Revenue-based pricing
Rather than paying per user or per server, this licence charges a royalty fee—2% of gross revenue from APL-based products or services, if such revenue is £5,000 or more annually.
All-in-one coverage
The royalty fee includes all necessary Run-time Licences for users, plus support and upgrades for the licence holder—no need to track individual deployments.
Designed for growth
This is the preferred model for businesses still building revenue. It provides full access to Dyalog’s tools and support, without upfront scaling costs.
Default fallback model
If no other suitable Run-time Licence is purchased, the Royalty-Based Run-time Licence will be applied as the default licence.
Royalty-Based Run-time Licences FAQ
Who can use a Royalty-Based Run-time Licence?
This option is available to holders of a Commercial Licence or Basic Licence. It’s especially suitable for start-ups, vendors, and consultancies who want more flexibility when pricing their products.
How is the royalty fee calculated?
The royalty fee is calculated as 2% of all gross revenue generated by sales, consulting, and support of applications and end products developed using Dyalog— where such annual revenue is equal to or exceeds £5,000.
What does the Royalty-Based Run-time Licence include?
It covers all required Run-time Licences for users of services or software delivered by the licence holder. In addition it covers support, upgrades and access to all Dyalog development environments.
What if I don’t purchase a different Run-time Licence?
In the absence of a suitable purchased Run-time Licence, the Royalty-Based Run-time Licence will be applied by default.
Need help selecting your licence?
Unsure which Dyalog licence suits your needs? Our guided questionnaire will help you determine the most appropriate licence based on your intended use. Whether for personal learning, research, or commercial development, we’ll help you to make an informed choice.
