Embarcadero RAD Studio licensing covers the development environments RAD Studio, Delphi and C++Builder, sold by Embarcadero Technologies, an Idera, Inc. company. Version 13 is governed by the Software License and Support Agreement (SLA). Its counterparty is Embarcadero Technologies, Inc., a Delaware corporation based in Austin, Texas.[1] The licence is perpetual unless the customer bought a Subscription License. It allows installation in the Licensed Country, taken from the ship-to address on the order, “solely for the development of software programs and/or management of its internal systems and data”.[1]
Embarcadero publishes other agreements for InterBase, RAD Server deployment, networked licences and AI features on its legal page.[7] This article covers the IDE licences.
Editions
The Embarcadero store sells each product in Professional, Enterprise and Architect editions as a perpetual licence plus year-one maintenance. Prices were shown in euros when retrieved.[5][6]
| Edition | RAD Studio 13.2 | Delphi 13.2 |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | EUR 2,700 + EUR 599 maintenance[5] | EUR 1,430 + EUR 439[6] |
| Enterprise | EUR 4,300 + EUR 1,199[5] | EUR 3,400 + EUR 999[6] |
| Architect | EUR 6,100 + EUR 1,599[5] | EUR 5,650 + EUR 1,499[6] |
The store explains that buying a version means obtaining “a perpetual license for that version”, and that the first year of Update Subscription is included. Update Subscription provides updates, hotfixes and upgrades for active subscribers.[5]
The editions differ in rights as well as features. Professional, Professional with Mobile, Community and Professional Academic editions may use dbExpress and FireDAC only to reach a database on the same machine as the application.[1] Client/server database access needs Enterprise or Architect. RAD Studio Enterprise and Architect also include rights to deploy unlimited copies of RAD Server Lite and an InterBase ToGo mobile deployment licence. Production use of RAD Server Enterprise otherwise requires a separate RAD Server Software Deployment License.[1] Catalog: Professional editions may use dbExpress and FireDAC only with a local database.
Metrics
The SLA defines two grants, and the Special Terms for Networked Licenses add networked versions of each.[1][2]
| Licence | Catalog row | Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Named User / Network Named User | Named User (RAD Studio) | Install on one or more computers; only the designated Named User may use the Product, within the Licensed Country[1] |
| Concurrent Users | Concurrent Users (RAD Studio) | Install on a network in the Licensed Country; used concurrently by up to the purchased number of users, only in the Territory[1] |
Embarcadero’s licensing page describes three options. A Workstation licence, also called Named, is for one person, is registered to an Embarcadero Developer Network account and needs no licence server. A Network Named User licence is also assigned to one person but is managed on a License Server. A Network Concurrent licence counts simultaneous users on the License Server, and anyone starting the software once the limit is reached is denied access.[3] Catalog: Network Concurrent users above the purchased number are denied access.
Counting / floors
Named users. A Named User licence may be installed on several machines, but “only the Named User uses the Product”.[1] For a Subscription License, the Named User may install it on up to three computers.[1] The networked terms allow a Named User licence to move to a new Named User when the existing one “no longer requires Use of the Product”.[2] Embarcadero’s knowledge base gives examples, such as a developer leaving or a contractor finishing a project. It adds that named licences “may not be transferred regularly between users” to act as concurrent licences.[4] Catalog: RAD Studio Named User licences may be installed on several computers but used only by the Named User, Network Named User licences may move when a developer leaves, not routinely.
Concurrent users. On the License Server, named licences are counted by user name. Networked concurrent licences are counted by login name plus host name, so one person on two machines may use two licences.[4] A product is “in use” on a computer when it is loaded into that computer’s memory.[2]
Build machines. The command line compiler may be installed on a separate computer only so that the computer can perform unattended builds. It is not a redistributable. Community Edition licensees may not move it at all.[1] Catalog: The command line compiler may be installed separately only for unattended builds.
Redistributables. The licensee may freely redistribute code that is entirely its own. Files that Embarcadero designates as Redistributables may be distributed only as part of the licensee’s Works, in executable, non-source form, and the right cannot be exercised by co-developers.[1]
Virtualization & partitioning
The SLA has no processor or virtualization metric. Licences are counted by person, or by concurrent login and host. For audit purposes the SLA refers to “the designated CPU(s) on which the Product is installed” and to machine IDs and serial numbers.[1] The License Server itself cannot be moved to another machine without asking Embarcadero Support for a “Node Change”.[4]
Cloud / BYOL
The licence is tied to geography rather than to infrastructure. Moving the Product into a country not on the ordering documentation, or outside the EU for EU orders, “is prohibited and will void the license”. Temporary use while travelling is allowed.[1] Concurrent licences are limited to one of three Territories: Americas, EMEA or AsiaPac.[1] Embarcadero says that global contracts can be bought by agreement.[3] Catalog: RAD Studio Concurrent licences are limited to one Territory.
Programs
- Update Subscription. Support is an annual fee. It covers releases while the term is active and licence key changes for additional installations or transfers. It can be cancelled with 30 days’ notice before the Support Anniversary Date. Lapsed Support can be reinstated within six months by paying a reinstatement fee and the next year in advance, but not after six months.[1] Catalog: Lapsed Embarcadero Support can be reinstated only within six months.
- Subscription License. Annual or multi-year term licences renew automatically for 12 months at the then-current subscription list price, unless notice is given at least 60 days before expiry. When the term ends, the customer must stop using and uninstall the Product. Works already developed may still be distributed.[1] Catalog: Subscription Named User licences allow three computers and must be uninstalled at expiry.
- Community Edition. Free editions of Delphi and C++Builder for low-revenue users. See Embarcadero Community Edition licensing.
- Educational licences. These may be used only for instruction in courses. No commercial, governmental or institutional use is allowed, except by instructors teaching a course.[1]
- Evaluation. Trial software may be used for up to 14 days for internal evaluation and must then be removed.[1]
Contract terms
Assignment. The licensee may not assign the Agreement or its licences to anyone. This includes “in connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, outsourcing, change of control”. An attempted assignment is an incurable breach that terminates the Agreement automatically.[1] Catalog: Embarcadero licences cannot be assigned, even in a merger.
Termination. Embarcadero may terminate if licence fees are more than 30 days overdue, or if a material breach is not cured within 30 days of notice.[1]
Privacy. The software may collect information about the user and its use and send it to Embarcadero.[1]
Audits and compliance
Section 11 of the SLA, “Validation and Collection of Data”, lets Embarcadero audit, at its own expense, records and systems relating to the Products. This includes the number of copies, the designated CPUs, machine IDs and serial numbers. With 15 days’ notice it may inspect records, systems and facilities, and within 15 days the licensee must provide the records requested. Non-conformity must be remedied immediately. Underpaid fees are invoiced at the list prices in effect when the audit is completed. If the underpayment exceeds 5% of the licence fees already paid, the licensee also pays the reasonable costs of the audit.[1] Catalog: Embarcadero may audit with 15 days notice; costs shift above 5% underpayment.
The concurrent-licence terms also require the licensee to “maintain accurate records of the Use of the Product under each License Certificate”.[2] Embarcadero has sued over unlicensed use detected through its licence data; see Embarcadero Technologies, Inc. v. NCR Corporation.
Out of scope
- InterBase server and ToGo deployment licences and the RAD Server Software Deployment License.
- Kai and other AI features under the Supplemental AI Terms.
- UK-specific Master Software License and Subscription License agreements.