What it means.
WHAT OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE IS
Software distributed with its source code, under a licence permitting use, modification and redistribution.
WHAT IT IS NOT
Software without an owner Software without conditions Necessarily free of cost Public domain
WHY THAT MATTERS
Open source is licensed, and licences carry obligations that are legally enforceable.
WHAT PEOPLE ASSUME INCORRECTLY
That publicly available code may be used however they wish.
WHAT IS ACTUALLY TRUE
Use is permitted on the licence's terms, and ignoring them is infringement.
WHY BUSINESSES USE IT
No licence cost Proven and widely used Modifiable No dependence on a single vendor Large communities and available expertise
WHAT IT COSTS INSTEAD
Support you arrange yourself Responsibility for security and updates Compliance obligations Integration effort
WHY THAT MATTERS
Free to acquire is not free to operate.
WHAT DETERMINES WHETHER IT SUITS
Whether you can support it Whether the project is maintained Whether the licence permits your use
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE ADOPTING ANYTHING
The licence, and what it requires.
WHAT TO TREAT THIS CATEGORY AS
Practical guidance, with licence interpretation from a solicitor where anything is significant.
