Comments on: Ignorance (of open source), thy name is Microsoft

Microsoft wants open source to be non-threatening. Good luck.

[tristanbob]

Zenoss still hybrid?

Matt,

I am proud of Alfresco's and SugarCRM's business model, where all code is GPL. But if I understand correctly, Zenoss still has a hybrid open source model. This is where they keep some additional features as closed source and label it Enterprise Edition. That is better than most software companies, but they still need to strive to be completely open. I'll throw Hyperic and Groundwork in the hybrid model as well, just to complete the picture.

Tristan

[tristanbob]

Whoops! SugarCRM also a hybrid model

Sorry, I didn't check this out before posting.

http://www.sugarcrm.com/crm/products/faq.html

So Alfresco does standout with a complete GPL business plan. Everyone choose Alfresco and buy a subscription. :)

Tristan

[ashimmy]

what about your darling MySQL

Matt- I noticed you left out one of your favorite open source success stories MySQL. I would think you would have to put them in the hybrid model. I think overall the MS guy is right. Many open source companies use hybrid and dual license models.

[Matt Asay]

My darling MySQL is 100% open source

They have some proprietary services, but their core code (the database) is 100% GPL. Your point?

[ashimmy]

technically perhaps, but in reality . . .

Matt, yes the code may be GPL'ed but you cant get the enterprise code without being a paying customer is my understanding. That is hybrid to me and that is my point. Lets stop pussyfooting around the 800 pound elephant. What the guy from MS is really talking about is dual licensed OSS. That in my mind is the hybrid here.

[tristanbob]

MySQL is not hybrid

Ashimmy, I disagree - Companies like MySQL and Alfresco do offer dual-licensing, but one of those licenses is GPL. You can get ALL the goodness of the code from either of these companies. That is not what I consider a hybrid company. A hybrid company has some GPL software, and some secret software.

With MySQL and Alfresco, you are paying for the services and support that make open source easier for businesses to consume.

BURP! Shiver me timbers!

[Matt Asay]

Agree with Tristan on this

I can get 100% of MySQL's Enterprise code without paying the company a dime. That, to me, belies the idea that it's "dual-licensed." Tristan is right on this one, though I take your point.