Subscriptions
Magma is distributed on a subscription basis. Subscribers receive all new releases, bug fixes, patch updates, and general support for the duration of their subscription. Subscriptions are typically for three-year periods. Prices are in Australian dollars.
Magma is a non-commercial system that is developed and maintained by our Computational Algebra Group. Our research is partially funded by external grants; however, these grants rarely cover the costs of turning theoretical algorithms into production-quality software that is tested, optimized, and suitable for broad use. Nor do they support the long-term maintenance of the Magma system, bug fixes, the preparation of documentation, or the provision of user support.
Magma is therefore distributed on a subscription basis: a site subscribes to run Magma on designated machines and receives updates and support for a fixed term, typically three years. The funds generated by subscription fees are directly reinvested back into the Magma project, supporting the staff who work on maintaining and developing software. Subscribing to Magma directly supports its continued availability as robust and reliable software. Thank you for your support!
| Subcription type | Subcription fee (AU$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Institution | Universities and research institutes. Discounts available for multiple machines. | |
Student access
Direct student subscriptions are not currently available. Students may access Magma through the following routes:
- The free online calculator is available to all without a subscription.
- Educational institutions holding a subscription for four or more platforms may distribute a student version to their own students at no additional cost. Distribution and support is handled by the institution.
- Students at US institutions covered by the Simons Foundation Agreement (see below) are encouraged to contact their department to arrange access.
Student laboratories
A discounted rate is available for educational institutions wishing to use Magma for teaching in student laboratories. Please contact us for details.
Discounts and special programmes
- Simons Foundation Agreement — US non-profit educational and scientific research institutions are likely eligible to acquire Magma at no cost. Please write to magma@maths.usyd.edu.au to enquire, or ask whether your department already has an existing subscription.
- Developing countries — Reduced rates are available to users from newly industrialised and developing countries by special agreement.
- Multiple machines — Discounts are available for subscriptions covering multiple machines.
- Commercial and government organisations — Rates are higher than those listed above. Please contact us for a quote.
How to order
To request a subscription, or to get a quote specific to your institution, please contact us with your institution name, intended use, number of machines, and MAC address(es). Once the subscription cost has been confirmed, payment can be arranged directly with us.
Magma — including patch releases, additional libraries, and databases — can be downloaded from the downloads page once an order has been received.