2023 eternal proprietary open source software

OP Authors 2025

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16-03-2025

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The Paradox of 2023: Eternal Proprietary Open Source Software

The software landscape in 2023 presents a fascinating paradox: the rise of "eternal proprietary open source software." This isn't a contradiction in terms; rather, it describes a new breed of software that blends the openness of open source with the restrictive licensing of proprietary software. This model raises important questions about the future of software development, community involvement, and the very definition of open source.

Understanding the Hybrid Model

Traditional open-source software operates under licenses like GPL or MIT, allowing for free use, modification, and redistribution. Proprietary software, conversely, is owned by a company and restricts these freedoms. Eternal proprietary open source attempts to bridge this gap. It often involves releasing the source code publicly, but with significant limitations:

• Restricted Commercial Use: While the source code is available, its use for commercial purposes might be prohibited or heavily restricted, requiring licenses or fees.
• Limited Modification Rights: Users might be allowed to examine and modify the code for personal use, but commercial derivatives or redistribution are forbidden.
• Controlled Community Engagement: While the source code is visible, community contributions might be heavily controlled or curated by the original developers, limiting true collaborative development.
• "Open Core" Models: A common strategy is to release the core functionality as open source, while crucial extensions, features, or support are proprietary and paid.

Motivations Behind This Approach

Several factors drive the adoption of this hybrid model:

• Monetization: Open-source projects often struggle with sustainable funding. Restricting commercial use allows developers to generate revenue and support continued development.
• Control and Brand Protection: Companies want to retain control over their intellectual property and brand image, even when releasing source code. Restrictions ensure their software isn't forked or used in ways that could damage their reputation.
• Support and Maintenance: Offering paid support and maintenance services for a publicly available codebase can be a lucrative business model, guaranteeing ongoing development and stability.
• Competitive Advantage: By controlling access to key features or extensions, companies can maintain a competitive edge over competitors relying solely on fully open-source solutions.

The Ethical and Practical Implications

The eternal proprietary open source model raises crucial ethical and practical questions:

• Community Dilution: Restricting contributions can stifle innovation and community engagement, which are hallmarks of successful open-source projects.
• Transparency Concerns: While the code is visible, restrictions might limit auditing and independent verification, potentially raising security and reliability concerns.
• Legal Ambiguity: The licensing complexities can lead to legal disputes and uncertainty for users.
• Sustainability: The long-term viability of this model depends on maintaining a balance between revenue generation and community engagement.

Examples and Future Trends

While pinpointing specific examples requires careful examination of licenses and terms of service, many software projects exhibit aspects of this hybrid model. The trend likely reflects a pragmatic response to the challenges of sustainable open-source development in a competitive market.

The future likely holds further refinements of this model, with ongoing debates about the balance between openness, control, and monetization. The success of eternal proprietary open source will depend on its ability to foster a vibrant community while ensuring sustainable revenue for developers. It forces us to re-evaluate our understanding of open source and its place in the modern software ecosystem.