Chapter 9 - A Pragmatic Guide to Open Source

Abstract

The open-source “movement” is a major factor in the computer industry and in information technology. This chapter discusses the nature of open source licensing, how it differs from proprietary licensing, the advantages and disadvantages of open source. Open source is part of a long-term trend in computing toward a commodity infrastructure where all the basic building blocks are inexpensive. Open source involves licensing binary computer programs where the source code is available. In some cases, users of open source programs do make use of the source code. However, many users of open source-licensed products do not use the source code at all; they simply run and use the binary versions of the program. Two major categories of open source licenses “BSD-Type” licenses, the GNU General Public License (GPL) and other “Copyleft” licenses. The chapter covers both GPL Version 2 and GPL Version 3 that was issued in mid-2007. Implied and express patent licenses in open source licensing, open source and trademarks, copyright and patent risks in open source, business models, and how to make money with open source products are also described in the chapter. Open source products are widely used in the digital infrastructure. Open source licensing is an ideal model for enabling fast, low-cost diffusion, and adoption of new software products. It can be very profitable with the right business model.