CloseOpen source licensing
2 MINUTE READ
An open source software license model can be an attractive option. Find out what it means and what you need to do.
The Open Source Initiative defines opens source software (OSS) as:
‘computer software with its source code made available with a license in which the copyright holder provides the rights to study, change, and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose.’
Talk to your Business Development team member for help to understand the Australian situation on open source licensing.
Why choose open source?
Why choose open source?
Making your software open source can be an attractive option. It can mean:
- collaborative development of the software by many independent parties, with many diverse perspectives
- the potential for software that is more affordable, transparent, customisable, and interoperable compared to conventional proprietary software. This can be a path to significant impact.
Making software open source can reduce the ability to differentiate between the contribution of one project among many. But it also often increases the software’s pool of developers, collaborators and users.
Some people view a decision to make software open source as the opposite of commercialisation. In fact, many very successful companies release open source software.
Open source business models and license types
Open source business models and license types
You can find unbiased advice on open source license types at OSS Watch.
If you’re considering making your software available through an open source arrangement, talk to us about your long-term goals. We'll help you choose the open source license type that best aligns with these goals, and the University's impact goals.
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General questions
If you have a general question or don’t know who to talk to, get in touch with us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
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Our local Business Development team members and central IP and Tech Transfer services team are here to help.
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