Re: [oracle-l] Open Source issues

From: Michael Thomas <mhthomas_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2004 05:35:43 -0800 (PST)
Message-ID: <20040128133543.15150.qmail@web60508.mail.yahoo.com>

This is very good information. Thanks.

On the one hand, MySQL has a free license for non-commercial use which has now changed to 'GPL'. Otherwise, MySQL has always had a small license fee (and protection from 'GPL') for anyone developing a system for a commercial application. Many people want to steal a 'free' license and not pay.

As the link explains, the 'free' license is changed to GPL, meaning any system developed with the free license is also GPL. Now, if your software project steals a 'free' license you have to release your software as open source, e.g. GPL. I may not understand nor explain it 100% correctly, but that's the general point.

The only way to protect yourself, if you are developing software to make money, is to buy a license. I applaud MySQL for taking these steps. I found that RedHat has actually improved by charging license fees, even though Linus is upset about having to pay for what he writes. I also think this will improve MySQL.

<SOAPBOX>
Its funny (to me) is because we always get back what we are willing to put in, especially in the 'global' economy and with software companies. Sometimes it just takes a couple cycles for balance to be achieved.

Who knows where this is from?

"Where is the natural place to look for cost reduction opportunities? In the places where there is apparent excess manpower - the areas that have improved the most. Punish people for their improvements and the process of ongoing improvements comes to a grinding halt. Morale, and thus performance, rapidly deteriorates. But at that time the clients have been spoiled by the excellent performance and they are not willing to accept any deterioration. Sales plummet, in some cases, to the extent that financial viability is not longer there".

My philosophy is also to laugh at software companies where the Corporate leadership pitches how great their outsource projects are going. Regardless, I support least cost development, but the truth is that most of the largest license thefts occurs in Asia, China, India and Russia/East Europe (sorted alphabetical), and some of our largest software based corporations will see sales plummet by focusing in these areas.

Two questions:
1) How much cheaper is development, when you steal all your development software, e.g. databases? 2) How reliable/professional would this type of organization be?

E.g. Also, don't ask how many clients 'Oracle <insert country>' has signed up, rather ask how much new license revenue has been generated.

For example, a friend mine from India told me his friends back home ask him why he has to pay US taxes, because they don't understand why he can't cheat on taxes like they do. And, India is not nearly as big a problem as the others I've mentioned.
</SOAPBOX>

Its clear that MySQL is getting ahead of the curve in this case. Congratulations.

Regards,

Mike Thomas

DENNIS WILLIAMS <DWILLIAMS_at_LIFETOUCH.COM> wrote:
> If you are considering MySQL or other open-source
> applications, the
> following article discusses some of the more subtle
> issues related to open
> source, particularly if you sell applications based
> on MySQL.
>
>
http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/01/16/03OPstrategic_1.html
>
>
> Dennis Williams
> DBA
> Lifetouch, Inc.
> dwilliams_at_lifetouch.com
>
>

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Received on Wed Jan 28 2004 - 07:35:43 CST