Hey Jess, thanks for asking.
So there is nothing restricting the use of GPL software on commercial projects. If you're just deploying it then there is no problem. GPL only kicks in if you're distributing. So if you're making a product that GeoServer is a part of that people can buy or download and install themselves. Even then you can still sell it, and don't need a license if you make all the code available. But again, that's only if you're distributing it.
So you should totally be clear to deploy binaries on a commercial services project. Right now there's no way to purchase an alternate license - there's was work to make it possible, but it didn't finish, half because there hasn't been any further interest in it.
If this is a real production deployment we do definitely recommend getting on a commercial support contract from one of the established core organizations around GeoServer, and is one way to help ensure the continued success of the project.
best regards,
Chris
Jess Lacy wrote:
I have some questions about using GeoServer in a commercial services project. I am replacing ArcIMS in a web application -- and would like that replacement to be GeoServer.
The project already uses GeoTools and Openlayers; but because of GeoServer's GPL license, I'm having difficulty understanding if I can use GeoServer on a commercial project.
The link in the FAQ was helpful -- http://geoserver.org/display/GEOSDOC/Do+I+need+a+proprietary+license+FAQ
Can the GeoServer binaries be deployed on a commercial project without violating the license? My company would be paid for the services to deploy GeoServer, but not for the product itself.
Is there a way to purchase a license if one is needed (sometimes its cheaper to buy protection than to pay a legal team to dispel FUD)?
I have some custom coverage plugins used in GeoTools; I'm assuming that those would need to be kept separate from a GeoServer deployment unless I'm able to publicly distribute them?
Many thanks!
Jess Lacy
jesslacy@anonymised.com
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Chris Holmes
OpenGeo - http://opengeo.org
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