SOFTWARE LICENSE GUIDE
Apache Kafka
Apache Kafka is an open-source distributed streaming platform designed for building real-time data pipelines and streaming applications. It is licensed under the permissive Apache License 2.0.
What it does
It enables building real-time data pipelines and streaming applications, handling high-throughput, fault-tolerant data feeds for various use cases.
Who it may suit
Developers and organizations needing a robust, scalable, and fault-tolerant system for handling real-time data streams and event processing.
Free tier and license
As an open-source project, the core software is free to use.
Limitations to check
The core Apache Kafka project is open source. Users should be aware that commercial distributions or managed services built on Kafka may have their own licensing and pricing models.
Licensing notes
Apache Kafka is an open-source project distributed under the Apache License 2.0. This license permits free commercial and non-commercial use.
Verification details
Last licensing verification recorded: 2026-10-28.
Directory record last updated: 2026-08-19. These are separate dates: a record update does not necessarily mean the publisher's terms changed.
AI-assisted summaries may be incomplete or outdated. Confirm licensing, pricing, and commercial-use rights in the official sources before making a business decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Apache Kafka for commercial projects?
Yes, Apache Kafka is licensed under Apache License 2.0, which allows free commercial and non-commercial use.
Is there a cost associated with Apache Kafka?
The core Apache Kafka software is free and open-source. Commercial distributions or managed services may have associated costs.
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