Re:Free and open source software projects are in transition
by monocasa on Monday July 31, 2023 @01:22PM
(#36945904)
Most company use of OSS isn't a freemium model, but instead them using it for their infrastructure in complements to their ultimate product. Think Google's use of Linux on their servers, or their use of gcc/clang to compile their search application.
Re:Free and open source software projects are in transition
by gochi on Monday July 31, 2023 @03:22PM
(#36947526)
Disagree on that. It is the freemium model that's used. Specifically enterprise tiers for the vast majority of OSS.
There is a crucial subsection of OSS used within companies but those often come with support contracts and branding which is what you're referring to with Google, but a far cry from "most".
Re:Free and open source software projects are in transition
by monocasa on Monday July 31, 2023 @04:08PM
(#36948074)
No, like, how many companies are paying support contracts for Nginx, anything you npm install, anything their engineers 'brew install'. Some of these might have support contracts that you can buy, but that's not used in the vast majority of cases.
I really do think you're not seeing the forest through the trees here.
Re:Free and open source software projects are in transition
by tomnipotent on Monday July 31, 2023 @03:25PM
(#36947564)
Yet Linux and gcc/clang contributions mostly come from developers on the clock, who are contributing as part of their day job. Most of the "critical" FLOSS projects are the same.
They don't need to, until they realize people aren't upgrading to the added layers of offerings and then start removing that value. This is required because the base value tends to be substantial enough to swiftly encourage people to use it, and VC loves the growth this comes with.