By not distributing the software used in saas and cloud engagements, cloud and saas providers do not have to contribute their code changes back to the community. Open source software rules for startups, part ii lot network. In this case, and for all licenses, as long as the code is used internally, nothing is distributed. Are you defending agpl and saying that proprietary saas software shouldnt use gpl code.
Can i write free software that uses nonfree libraries. Sometimes, the use of saas can also reduce the longterm costs of software licensing, though that depends on the pricing model for the individual saas offering and the enterprises usage patterns. Most open source licenses have no conditions for saas use. If youre a software developer today, you know how to use open source. The gpl granted recipients unfettered rights to redistribute software with the.
The saas loophole in gpl open source licenses whitesource. See, for example, my 1999 debate with richard stallman. Gplv3 and software as a service free software foundation. Saas and cloud systems all distribute some software. Affero gpl finally closes the saas loophole who cares. As long as you dont distribute your binaries, there is no problem with using gpl libraries or other code in an otherwise closedsource project. The blogosphere has started buzzing with the suggestion that gplv3. Can i link a gpl program with a proprietary system library. Saas companies are more free to use gpl licensedcode because the obligations of the gpl are triggered upon software distribution and. However, agpl affero gnu public license and gpl gnu public. Do we need to change our oss licenses for the cloud and saas. Frequently asked questions about the gnu licenses gnu project.
In the absence of distribution, a user is merely using the software, and since the act of running the gpl code is not subject to the license, one. Oss in a softwareasa service saas or cloudbased business. The saas developers ubershort guide to using open source projects. Notwithstanding any other provision of this license, if you modify the program, your modified version must prominently offer all users interacting with it remotely. Using full gpl libraries in software as a service saas models.
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