Can I use Telerik Metro Controls Beta in a production app?

Question

So far they're the only people I can find that are doing a chart control...

What happens when the beta expires? How does it expire? (Does it expire?). They look great but there is no pricing information or expiry information.

Answer 1

Here is a direct quote from the EULA:

“You may distribute the Programs as embedded in Your Integrated Products to Your end-users only pursuant to an end-user license that meets the requirements of this Section.”

So, yes, you can ship Apps built with Telerik Windows 8 Controls Beta to the Store.

Answer 2

"Beta," by definition, suggests not ready for production use.

There are at least a couple of things you should think about before moving forward:

1. Does the license agreement for the controls allow use in a production app (you did read the license, right?)
2. Are you willing to risk the possibility that the app might suddenly stop working for any and all users who have downloaded it, until such time as you replace the controls with working versions (and get the updated version of your app submitted to the store)?

As long as the controls fit the Windows 8 app design, and don't cause performance or crashing issues, they may not have any impact on whether or not the app gets through certification.

But the larger issue is one of risk. Betas are for testing. IMO, unless the beta includes a "go-live" license, you should probably stick with using beta software for evaluation and testing only.

To be clear, that's no knock on Telerik's beta quality (or anyone else's, for that matter). Just a reminder that beta software isn't finished yet.