Some Open Source Software Licences are Only 'Open-ish,' Says Thoughtworks
What percentage of organizations use open source software?
It has been estimated that 90% of organizations use some form of open source software. This makes open source a huge global economic resource, with an estimated cost of USD $9 trillion if organizations had to code it themselves.
What examples of open source tools shifting to commercial licenses are mentioned?
Docker, Terraform, and Llama 3 are mentioned as examples of open source tools shifting to commercial licenses. Docker changed its licensing in 2021, requiring larger enterprises to pay for a Pro, Team, or Business membership. Hashicorp's Terraform shifted from a Mozilla Public License v2.0 to a Business Source License. Meta's Llama 3 requires payment of licensing fees based on user numbers for the use of weights.
What is the estimated impact of commercializing open source tools on developers?
Commercializing open source tools can have a significant impact on developers. It may lead to more sustainable project development, increased professionalization, and innovation. However, it can also result in controversies within the open-source community and potential conflicts between open-source values and commercial interests. Developers may need to adapt to these changes and find a balance between community-driven development and commercial viability.