Home → Techniques and Tips → Developer Kits—BDK, EDK, RDK, RODK → 64-bit Versions of Developer Kits?
This article relates to discontinued products, but is retained for the benefit of our customers with existing licenses. For current information, please see Support Policy for RDK, BDK, EDK, and RODK.
Applies to:
@RISK Developer Kit
BestFit Developer Kit
Evolver Developer Kit
RISKOptimizer Developer Kit
Do you have 64-bit versions of the RDK, BDK, EDK, or RODK?
We have no 64-bit versions of the developer kits at this time, but you can use the 32-bit versions in a 64-bit environment by following these rules.
The preferred method is to build a 32-bit application. (For example, in Visual Studio 2008 you want Build » Configuration Manager » Platform » x86; if x86 isn't in the list, select New and then x86. Alternatively, select Project » Project Properties » Compile » Advanced Compile Options » Target CPU » x86. (You don't want "Any Platform", because then 64-bit Windows will attempt to run it as a 64-bit application, and an attempt to run the RDK from within a 64-bit process will fail.) 64-bit Windows installs 32-bit applications in Program Files (x86) and runs them automatically through the "Windows on Windows" WOW64 feature.
If you have a 64-bit application, you should be able to use any of the DKs by employing some advanced programming techniques. You can set up a separate 32-bit process to run RDK simulations, BDK fits, or EDK/RODK optimizations, and have the 64-bit application communicate with this server process. There are techniques for setting up such external server processes. We have seen that done with the COM/VB6 programming platform, and there they are referred to as "ActiveX exe" components. The same might possibly also be accomplished with the .NET platform using the ".NET Remoting" technology.
Another possibility: use version 5.7 or later of our Excel add-ins, and build your application in Visual Basic for Applications. The VBA interfaces for @RISK, Evolver, and RISKOptimizer are documented within the applications; just click Help » Developer Kit » Manual. (There is no longer a separate BestFit product, because its functionality is integrated within @RISK Professional and Industrial Editions. You can therefore automate the process of fitting distribution by using the VBA interface to @RISK.)
Last edited: 2012-09-02