Computerworld: Closing Open-Source Gaps by Developing a Policy | Linux Today

Computerworld: Closing Open-Source Gaps by Developing a Policy

Written By
Web Webster
Web Webster
Nov 28, 2006

“Open-source software is becoming ubiquitous, but companies need
to be aware that its use must be carefully managed. Even Microsoft
has admitted the attractiveness of this business model through its
engagement with open-source companies such as SugarCRM Inc.and Zend
Inc. Problems can arise because many open-source licenses require
that users who incorporate open-source code in their software must
make their code available for free (at reproduction cost), permit
modifications of the software and permit redistribution without
charging a fee.

“These obligations could dramatically decrease the value of
commercial software that incorporates open source. And the scope of
these obligations is both extensive and unclear…”


Complete Story

Web Webster

Web Webster

Web Webster has more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience in the tech sector. He’s written and edited news, demand generation, user-focused, and thought leadership content for business software solutions, consumer tech, and Linux Today, he edits and writes for a portfolio of tech industry news and analysis websites including webopedia.com, and DatabaseJournal.com.

Linux Today Logo

LinuxToday is a trusted, contributor-driven news resource supporting all types of Linux users. Our thriving international community engages with us through social media and frequent content contributions aimed at solving problems ranging from personal computing to enterprise-level IT operations. LinuxToday serves as a home for a community that struggles to find comparable information elsewhere on the web.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.