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Ask HN: Building a business and supporting an Open-Source Library

3 点作者 DamonOehlman超过 14 年前
Hey Guys,<p>This has been playing around in my head for sometime now, and it's not something I can come up with a clear answer to one way or another.<p>Basically, I've built an Open-Source HTML5 mapping library (http://tile5.org/) and it's gotten some good exposure on Twitter recently which has been great. I never really intended on trying to build a business around an Open-Source product, but it's kind of the way things have just turned out. I did intend to start a software development company (which has been going pretty well) but I'm now wondering if I have to change my focus.<p>So the question is, if I do decide to change focus what are the best ways to go about doing that, i.e. professional services developing solutions based on the library, training for the library, engaging sponsors?<p>In terms of things that are important to me the following must be true:<p>- licensing of Tile5 should remain liberal (i.e. MIT or similar) to ensure that developers with more tenacity than cash can create commercial apps. Not a fan of dual licensing models...<p>- Community should be adequately supported with either people working for me or somewhere else engaging developers on building solution for no - low cost. Similar to the way Google have developer relations people. Funding for this area of the business comes from Robin Hood like revenue generation.<p>- I need to be able to feed and house my family, in a similar fashion to what I did working for a larger company. No flash cars required, just food and shelter.<p>So with all that in mind, I'd love some feedback, advice, etc. Other than of course, that there is no future in building an open-source HTML5 mapping library ;)

2 条评论

liammclennan超过 14 年前
Tough question. My anecdotal observation is that the business model you described appears to have limited success. If it were me I would pursue high-end consulting opportunities as a tile5 specialist + use the exposure from a successful open-source project to generate other opportunities.
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aberkowitz超过 14 年前
Most open source companies that make money either have a commercial version or commercial projects based on the free software.