[OSGeo-Discuss] Terms and definitions: Free and Open Source Software (for Geospatial)

[Guido Stein]

Thank you Seven for your definition of terms.

I think that this is an important topic for understanding and clarity of
communication. I like Free (Libre) fundamentally. That said, I am writing
this message on a Mac, so my usage of non-libre tools is always a bt
conflicted and I am slowly moving myself to be in better alignment with
Libre.

One of the reasons that Richard Stallman is going to Keynote the FOSS4G
this year is because I think he does a great job of clearly explaining the
importance of Libre. I think he is an extreme outlier, but that is
important in these discussions.

 Thanks again,

Guido

On Wed, Mar 29, 2017 at 6:43 AM Seven (aka Arnulf) <seven at arnulf.us> wrote:

> Folks,
>
> every now and then terms used in discussions get a bit fuzzy resulting in
> misunderstandings. We need to be very clear in our wording to avoid this.
>
> There are two terms describing the open and free approach:
>
>    - Open Source (mostly a development model)
>    - Free Software (mostly a licensing model)
>
> We carry this definition in the name of our main conference FOSS4G. I
> actually like the symbology of the legally protecting license models (Free
> Software) wrapping around the open development model (Open Source).
>
> There is exactly and only one term which differentiates to the above, it
> is:
>
>    - Proprietary software (mostly a licensing and business model).
>
> Everything else is confusing and inexact. Especially problematic is the
> term
>
>    - "Commercial Software" (which I therefore only use in quotes, if
>    ever).
>
> It is not well defined [1]. Any software that is used in a commercial
> context is "commercial". This can be Open Source, Free Software and
> proprietary software. So "Commercial Software" does not really mean
> anything at all. Therefore we recommend to not use the term "Commercial
> Software" and to be very picky and investigative whenever hearing or
> reading the term. Most people just use it out of an old habit and without
> much thought.
>
> The FAQ of our foundation wrap this up nicely - and I remember well that
> it took dozens of mails and edits to finally get there:
> http://www.osgeo.org/faq#Open_Source
>
> And just to make sure that we build on the positive side and not to the
> detriment of others, it there says:
>
> The foundation respects the important role that proprietary software plays
> in our industry, and is not trying to get rid of it, or the companies that
> produce it. However, the foundation takes the position that free and open
> source software can and should play an important role in the geospatial
> industry. Furthermore, having quality open source alternatives to
> proprietary software can be good for the end user, the industry, and even
> the proprietary software vendors. In fact, most proprietary geospatial
> software is built on open source software to some extent.
>
>
> Enjoy the day,
> Seven
>
> [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commercial_software
>
> --
> Arnulf Christl
> OSGeo President Emeritus
> _______________________________________________
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> Discuss at lists.osgeo.org
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