An online linear programming (LP) solver helps you run linear programming models through web-based or cloud service licensing instead of installing software on individual machines. Teams use online linear programming when they want faster sharing, centralized governance, or elastic compute for larger planning runs. Â
This FAQ covers what an online LP solver is good for, what you should look for, how it works in practice, and how to get started. And while this FAQ will mention LPs, all of the model types Gurobi solves (e.g. mixed-integer, quadratic, and nonlinear) can also be solved through web-based solutions.Â
An online LP solver is a computational tool that solves linear programming optimization problems through web-based or cloud-hosted infrastructure. Unlike traditional desktop installations, online solvers provide access to powerful optimization capabilities without requiring local software installation or hardware investment. Â
These solvers handle problems where variables are continuous and have linear relationships with outcomes and constraints, making them ideal for industries like logistics, manufacturing, finance, and energy.Â
When evaluating web-based linear programming solutions, consider these critical factors:Â
Performance and SpeedÂ
Solver performance isn’t just about raw speed—it also encompasses robustness, tractability, and scalability. A faster solver means you can answer questions as they arise in meetings, expand the scope of your analysis, and potentially implement real-time optimization in closed-loop systems. The latest generation of solvers, including Gurobi 13.0, offers dramatic performance improvements with specialized algorithms for all problem types. Â
Supported Model TypesÂ
Ensure the solver can handle your specific problem types. Modern solvers like Gurobi support a broad range of optimization problems, including:Â
Integration and APIsÂ
The best online LP solvers provide robust REST APIs and support multiple programming languages (Python, Java, C++, R, MATLAB, .NET, C). This flexibility allows seamless integration with your existing technology stack and workflows.Â
Security and ReliabilityÂ
Look for solutions that use HTTPS encryption, support modern security standards like TLS 1.3, and operate on trusted cloud platforms such as AWS or Microsoft Azure. Reliable uptime and data protection are non-negotiable for production environments.Â
With solutions like Gurobi Instant Cloud, the process is straightforward:Â
The cloud license file works seamlessly across all supported languages and environments, providing a consistent experience regardless of your development platform.Â
Professional-grade online LP solvers come with comprehensive support resources. Look for providers that offer:Â
Absolutely. Modern online LP solvers are designed specifically for large-scale optimization. Cloud deployment also allows you to leverage distributed computing and parallel processing that would be impractical on local machines.Â
Organizations across industries use online LP solvers for applications such as:Â
Most enterprise-grade online LP solvers offer multiple pathways to begin:Â
An online LP solver can make linear programming easier to share, govern, and operationalize, especially when planning decisions span teams and systems. Evaluate an online LP solver like any production decision component: correctness, status transparency, data governance, security, and measurable business impact. Â
With the right scope and workflow design, LP optimization with a solver like Gurobi can become a reliable engine for repeatable planning decisions, whether you access it through a web UI or embed it behind your own application.Â
Choose the evaluation license that fits you best, and start working with our Expert Team for technical guidance and support.
Request free trial hours, so you can see how quickly and easily a model can be solved on the cloud.