While it is not done in practise yet, (we are still arranging to make it possible) Compiler Resources, Inc. does intend to "sell" open source software (and at some level the FSF does so today or at least did in the past).
We have a currently closed source product, Yacc++, that we intend to release an open source version of. Truly open source, under the GPL, and other developers may fork, resell, or do whatever the GPL allows them to do with it. We will also sell that exact same version (at a reduced price from other closed source versions). We hope that some distributions of open source software may in fact begin incorporating the open source version into their distributions and that copies of the open source software gets given away for free. Now, as noted, we will also be selling closed source versions (and support for the open source version). This is where we intend to continue making the majority of our profits. However, there will be some clients who wish to buy the open source version from us, perhaps because they will then get it in combination with a proprietary version or to get support or just to get the latest open source copy we have released in a timely fashion. Thus, we will be *selling* the open source version. As I mentioned, (at least at one time) the FSF did the same. One could buy a distribution tape of Emacs from them (for about $150). As I recall, we, in fact, did so. Not because, we were particularly enamoured with giving the FSF money, but because we wanted a reliable copy, and we were no more enamoured with giving someone else the money. There was at least the hope that the money we gave to the FSF would be plowed back into supporting further development of Emacs. As to the pricing model, we intend to sell the open source version for about a quarter what we sell our flagship closed source version for, which is also the price we sell upgrades to our best customers for. Matching the upgrade price is the key reason we picked that price point--the open source version will help support customers who do not want more current versions, but want more freedom in modifying the software and supporting themselves. We have a fairly extensive client base who would like to self-support and are using older versions that they do not wish to upgrade, but do need sources for to handle incompatibilities in the underlying OS that have crept in over the years (e.g. we have Windows 3.x users that need an XP version, of the same old copy of our software, and we want to make their life easier). Note, the price point we have selected is about half the price of comparable competing closed source products. As to the development model, we intend to accept contributions (provide that the authors are willing to assign copyright owernship for us, so we can dual license and incorporate into our closed source versions) and will offer such enahncement authors some form of compensation for their contibutions (advance copies of the next free release are one likely candidate and attribution credit if desired). Is it possible that some authors will fork a competing version and sell or give that away, yes? However, we expect to mitigate that threat by providing only a subset of the flagship products functionality--a substantial subset, so that the open source version is not a toy or "demo" version, but in fact a valuable product in itself (just not quite as good as our flagship product)--with the further promise that other features from our flagship product will get incorporated into the open source version over time. That means any fork will either have to track our open source releases or will become less functional. Note, no where in our plans are attempts to keep others from selling the same open source software (nor from giving it away). In fact, we hope that some distributions do in fact give the open source version away, as loss leaders for our closed source version. At the same time, we do expect to sell the open source version, just not as "the" primary revenue stream. As far as I can tell, precluding others from selling or giving away your open source software, violates what most people mean by "open" source. At time same time, just because we allow others to give it away, does not mean that we have to give it away--that's a separate decision. It is possible to segment the market and still sell open source software. Hope this helps, -Chris ***************************************************************************** Chris Clark Internet : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Compiler Resources, Inc. Web Site : http://world.std.com/~compres 23 Bailey Rd voice : (508) 435-5016 Berlin, MA 01503 USA fax : (978) 838-0263 (24 hours) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- license-discuss archive is at http://crynwr.com/cgi-bin/ezmlm-cgi?3