> -----Original Message----- > From: Jay Maynard [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Monday, January 05, 2004 11:42 AM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Re: Anyone Nagios? > > > > All this means is that you get to sell one copy - for the guy > who buys that > one copy is not prohibited from passing around all he wants > to, either for > much lower prices than yours or else for free. After that, > your market has > been effectively and completely undercut. >
Sounds like the real money to be made from GPL'ed software is for "maintenance" and "enhancements". If I wanted to release some "commercial" (I expect to make money) software under the GPL (why would I do that?), then the only "plus" that I could have is to sell a support contract as well. Granted, the other person could "resell" the GPL'ed code. But he could NOT resell my support contract. And, worded correctly, the contract would be for "x" hours per month or "n" questions. That would stop the original buyer from just passing along any questions he got from his clients. Of course, another programmmer, starting from your source could then compete with his own set of "enhancements" or try to give better support or less expensive support. But, IMHO, the only way to make money from GPL'ed software is to be very supportive and sell the support, not the software itself. Of course, if the software is very well received, others will try to "jump on the support bandwagon". -- John McKown Senior Systems Programmer UICI Insurance Center Applications & Solutions Team +1.817.255.3225 This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and its' content is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message and are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this transmission, or taking any action based on it, is strictly prohibited.
