Licenses

Kinesis API uses a license-based model to provide you with access to its features and capabilities. Whether you’re self-hosting or using our managed platform, all deployments require a valid license to operate beyond the free Community tier.

What is a License?

A license in Kinesis API is a digital authorization that:

• Grants Access: Enables you to use Kinesis API and its features according to your selected plan
• Defines Limits: Specifies the number of instances you can run and users you can have
• Controls Features: Determines which capabilities and components are available to you
• Ensures Compliance: Validates that your usage aligns with your subscription level

Why Licenses Matter

The licensing system serves several important purposes:

For Users

• Predictable Costs: Know exactly what you’re paying for with clear pricing tiers
• Scalability: Easily upgrade or downgrade as your needs change
• Feature Access: Get the features you need without paying for what you don’t
• Support Levels: Higher tiers include better support and SLAs

For the Platform

• Sustainable Development: License fees support ongoing development and improvements
• Resource Management: Helps manage server resources on managed platforms
• Quality Assurance: Ensures users receive proper support and maintenance

License Types

Kinesis API offers several license tiers to match different use cases:

Community (Free)

Perfect for learning, personal projects, and small applications:

• Self-hosting only
• Basic features with limited API routes
• Community support through forums
• No cost, ideal for getting started

Essential ($99/month)

For growing applications and small teams:

• Self-hosting or managed platform
• Unlimited API routes with 5M monthly requests
• Email support with 48-hour response time
• Standard feature set including webhooks

Professional ($499/month)

For professional teams and larger applications:

• All Essential features
• 25M monthly requests
• Advanced features including SSO
• Priority support with 12-hour response time

Enterprise ($50/user/month)

For large organizations with specific needs:

• Unlimited everything
• Custom block development
• Dedicated support representative with SLA
• On-premise deployment assistance

How Licensing Works

License Activation Flow

1. Purchase: Select a plan and complete payment through the License Server
2. Receive Key: Get a unique license key for your purchase
3. Activate: Enter the license key in your Kinesis API instance
4. Validation: The system validates your license with the License Server
5. Feature Access: Your instance unlocks features based on your plan

License Components

A complete license consists of:

• License Key: A unique identifier for your purchase
• Activation: The connection between your license and specific instance(s)
• Plan: The tier of service you’ve purchased
• Features: The capabilities included in your plan

Self-Hosted vs. Managed

The licensing model works differently depending on your deployment:

Self-Hosted Deployments

• Database and media storage limits don’t apply
• Use as much as your hardware allows
• Still require a valid license for feature access
• Full control over your infrastructure

Managed Platform

• Storage limits apply based on your plan
• Infrastructure managed by us
• Automatic backups and updates
• License included with subscription

Getting Started with Licenses

To begin using Kinesis API with a license:

1. Access the License Server: Create an account and explore available plans
2. Purchase a License: Select your plan and complete payment
3. Register Your License: Activate your license in your Kinesis API instance

Current Phase: Free Development Access

Important: Kinesis API is currently in active development. During this phase, all features are available completely free. When we launch our commercial version, existing users will receive special early-adopter benefits. This is a great time to start exploring the platform and building your applications!

License Validation and Compliance

Automatic Validation

Kinesis API automatically validates your license:

• Check-In: Every 5 minutes, your instance checks in with the License Server
• Validation: Every 20 minutes, your license is fully validated
• Feature Control: Features are enabled or disabled based on validation results

What Happens If…

License Expires

• You’ll receive email notifications before expiration
• Grace period allows for renewal without interruption
• After grace period, access is restricted to Community features

Payment Fails

• Automatic retries for temporary payment issues
• Email notifications about payment problems
• Suspension if payment isn’t resolved

License is Revoked

• Immediate restriction to Community features
• Data remains intact and accessible
• Can purchase new license to restore access

Support and Assistance

If you have questions about licensing:

• General Questions: Review this documentation section
• Purchase Help: Contact our sales team through the License Server
• Technical Issues: Log a support ticket
• License Problems: Check the License management page in your instance

Next Steps

Ready to get started with licensing?

1. Access the License Server to create an account
2. Explore purchasing options to find the right plan
3. Learn to activate your license in your Kinesis API instance

For detailed pricing information and plan comparisons, visit our Pricing Page.