Lite runtime license questions

[JasonDick]

We are interested in using a Lite license. Currently the only feature we need is the geometry projection. We are not using ArcGIS servers or services. For desktop software, such as WPF, can we use a Lite license for free, unlimited deployment to end users?

Can we also use a Lite license for using the library on a server? We have a server that requires a login, but not an ArcGIS login. Again no, ArcGIS services would be used other than projection. Thanks.

[Ting]

Hi Jason, yes you can use the Lite license for GeometryEngine APIs.

See the License levels and capabilities doc to find the differences between license levels.

[Nicholas-Furness · Accepted solution]

Thanks for your question, @JasonDick.

You may be veering into use of the SDK where we have to explore specific limitations as defined in the Product Specific Terms of Use.

Firstly, you cannot use the Native Maps SDKs in a server context. This is highlighted in item 19 in that document (a requirement under "ArcGIS Maps SDK for Java, Kotlin, .NET, Qt, Swift, or Flutter"):

19. License may not be used to develop Internet or server-based Value-Added Applications.

But to add to @Ting's comment, while the Lite license does indeed cover GeometryEngine, overall use of any of the Native Maps SDKs with a Lite license does first require that you are using it in conjunction with another Esri product or products. See item 62 in that document (a requirement under Lite ArcGIS Runtime Deployment License):

62. Value-Added Applications must be used in conjunction with other Esri Products.

Examples of other Esri products include ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Location Platform, or ArcGIS Enterprise to deliver services, ArcGIS Pro to create and maintain data packages for use by your application, or for example ArcGIS StreetMap Premium.

Unfortunately, based on your description of your app (no other Esri product being used), it seems you would not be allowed to use the ArcGIS Maps SDK for .NET. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but feel free to DM me if you would like to explore this further.

[ssadish]

@Nicholas-Furness 

Does this mean a Lite license simply cannot be used for any [commercial and/or otherwise] app that will be always offline (i.e., the app will never connect to internet).

Such a [commercial and/or otherwise] app may never use any ESRI services you mentioned (ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Location Platform, or ArcGIS Enterprise) and so simply cannot use Lite license?

This is a big bummer on the Lite license (IMHO).

1. Are simple stand alone applications that use ESRI Arcgis Runtime SDK even considered to be Value-Added Applications? Because this condition seems to be applicable to only VAA and NOT all apps generated with lite license?

2. If I simply create a Arcgis Location Platform account (FREE) for my organization, is that considered to be satisfying this requirement of using it in conjunction with other arcgis services?

Note that the app will NEVER have/use an API key because it is always in offline mode.

This will be set and used:

Esri.ArcGISRuntime.ArcGISRuntimeEnvironment.SetLicense("<valid key here>"); // for production deployment

This will NOT be used or set at all:

Esri.ArcGISRuntime.ArcGISRuntimeEnvironment.ApiKey = ""; // to access ESRI ArcGIS online services

Your comments are much appreciated.

Thank you.