Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ Yes, You Can Make Money with Open Source

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

I am constantly asked to make this case in my day job, despite overwhelming evidence in the form of Apache, MySQL, Moodle and so much more. The most recent request for 'a case' came in the morning email. Here are the ways listed in this article:

  • Paid support is one of the most common sources of revenue - annual service contract or a la carte.
  • Package more substantial (and expensive) professional services with open source software.
  • Sell commercial versions of popular open source - quality-tested versions; license management; code maintenance.
  • Augment it, make significant improvements, and then sell it under a more restricted license.

Not that I haven't mentioned all of these (and more) in the past. But if management won't listen to me (and oh they won't) maybe they'll listen to Harvard Business Review.

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Nov 23, 2024 2:45 p.m.

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