In the dynamic world of software development, licensing models significantly influence how technology evolves, is shared, and monetized. Open source software (OSS) has been a catalyst for innovation, enabling global collaboration and rapid advancement. However, as the industry matures, many companies are turning to source available licensing as a strategic alternative. This model aims to balance the openness of OSS with the necessity of protecting commercial interests.
Companies like MongoDB, Redis Labs, and others have adopted source available licenses to safeguard their work while still engaging with the developer community. This shift is partly a response to practices by large cloud providers, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), which have leveraged open source projects for profit without proportionate contributions back to the original creators. In this article, we'll explore why source available licensing is gaining momentum and how it addresses challenges inherent in traditional open source models.
Developing and maintaining high-quality software requires significant resources. While open source models promote widespread adoption, they may not always provide sufficient revenue streams to support ongoing development. Companies often face the challenge of balancing free access with financial viability.
Source available licensing offers a solution by enabling companies to monetize their software effectively. By controlling how and where their software is used commercially, businesses can generate revenue through licensing fees, subscriptions, or partnerships. This sustainable model ensures that they can continue to invest in enhancing their products, providing support, and delivering value to users.
Open source licenses grant users broad freedoms, allowing anyone to use, modify, and distribute software—even for commercial purposes. While this openness fosters collaboration and accelerates development, it can also lead to scenarios where companies invest heavily in creating software only to see others, including competitors, commercialize it without contributing back.
Source available licensing addresses this issue by allowing creators to set specific terms on how their software can be used commercially. By restricting certain commercial activities—such as offering the software as a service without proper licensing—companies can prevent unauthorized monetization of their work. This protection ensures that developers and organizations can reap the rewards of their investments, fueling further innovation and growth.
Transparency is a cornerstone of trust in software. Access to source code allows users to inspect, audit, and understand the software they rely on, enhancing security and compliance. However, unrestricted modification and distribution can undermine a company's strategic goals and intellectual property rights.
Source available licensing strikes a balance by providing access to the source code while allowing creators to retain control over its use. Users can benefit from transparency and even contribute to the software, but the license terms protect the software from being misused or commercialized without authorization. This balance fosters collaboration without sacrificing the company's ability to guide the software's development and commercialization.
While source available licensing offers numerous advantages, it's important to acknowledge and address the concerns raised by its critics.
Perceived Erosion of Open Source PrinciplesSome argue that source available licenses undermine the fundamental freedoms of open source by imposing restrictions on use, modification, and distribution. Yet, source available licensing is not intended to replace open source but to provide an alternative that balances openness with sustainability. It recognizes that while unrestricted freedom has benefits, there are scenarios where protective measures are necessary to ensure that creators can continue contributing to the community.
Potential for Reduced Community EngagementRestrictions may deter some contributors who prefer the freedoms associated with open source, potentially limiting the pool of collaborators. However, by clearly articulating the terms and fostering an inclusive environment, companies can encourage participation. Many developers find value in contributing to source available projects because it allows them to improve the software to meet their specific needs without the burden of maintaining a separate fork. As one developer expressed:
I'd much prefer to build that feature or fix that bug myself and give it back to the company than have to maintain my own fork.This approach benefits both the contributor and the company. Developers can implement necessary features or fixes and see them integrated into the main project, ensuring they don't have to maintain custom versions over time. The company, in turn, benefits from community contributions that enhance the software's functionality and reliability. By providing a clear pathway for contributions and demonstrating mutual benefits, source available projects can foster robust collaboration despite the restrictions compared to traditional open source models.
Source available licensing represents a strategic adaptation to the evolving landscape of software development. By combining transparency with protective measures, it offers a middle ground that respects the collaborative spirit of open source while addressing the practical needs of sustaining innovation.
Companies like MongoDB and Redis Labs have demonstrated how this model can be effectively implemented to protect commercial interests, promote fair competition, and continue engaging with the developer community. The shift toward source available licensing is not a rejection of open source principles but an evolution that seeks to balance openness with the realities of today's technology ecosystem.
For developers, businesses, and users, understanding the nuances of source available licensing is essential. It offers a path that ensures creators can be rewarded for their efforts, fostering a healthy and innovative software industry.
At JustDo, we believe in transparency and collaboration. Our source available license ensures that our source code is accessible for review and contribution, while we maintain the ability to sustainably develop and support our software. If you're interested in adopting our licensing model for your project, we'd love to provide its LaTeX form—feel free to contact us. Together, we can build a fair and innovative software ecosystem.