Open source vs. closed source: The licensing wars

What’s the difference?

At the core of the open-source and closed-source divide lies the concept of software licensing.

Open source: Open-source software is released with a license that allows anyone to view, modify, and distribute the source code. Popular open-source licenses include the MIT License, GNU General Public License (GPL), and Apache License. These licenses encourage collaboration, community contributions, and transparency.

Closed source: Closed-source software, on the other hand, is proprietary. The source code is kept secret, and the software is distributed under restrictive licenses that prevent users from modifying or redistributing it. Examples of closed-source software include Microsoft Windows, Adobe Photoshop, and Apple’s macOS.

Advantages of open source

Open-source software has become synonymous with freedom and innovation. Here are some of its advantages:

Transparency: With open-source software, the code is accessible to anyone, allowing for transparency. This openness ensures that security vulnerabilities can be discovered and fixed quickly, benefiting the broader community.

Community support: Open-source projects often come with strong community backing. Developers can contribute to the project, propose improvements, or offer bug fixes. This collaborative environment can accelerate innovation and make software more robust.

Cost-efficiency: Open-source software is typically free, which makes it an attractive option for startups, educational institutions, and individuals who may not have the resources to purchase expensive proprietary software.

Customization: Since the source code is available, open-source software can be tailored to meet specific needs. Developers can customize features, fix bugs, or even build entirely new functionality.

Advantages of closed source

While open-source has its appeal, closed-source software offers its own set of advantages, particularly when it comes to business models:

Quality control: With closed-source software, the company or individual that owns the software has full control over its development. This allows for a consistent and polished user experience, as they can ensure that no unvetted changes are made to the codebase.

Monetization: Closed-source software is typically monetized through licenses, subscriptions, or one-time purchases. This business model provides companies with a predictable revenue stream, which is essential for maintaining a sustainable development process.

Customer support: With closed-source software, users typically receive professional customer support, making it easier for businesses to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly.

Security: Some argue that closed-source software is more secure because it keeps the source code hidden, preventing malicious users from identifying vulnerabilities. However, this remains a topic of debate within the development community.

The licensing wars

The “Licensing Wars” describe the tension between open-source and closed-source ecosystems. With open-source projects gaining popularity, many businesses face the challenge of monetizing or protecting their software.

The open-core model has become a popular compromise. In this model, the core of the software is open-source, while advanced features or enterprise-level functionality are locked behind a paid version. This strategy is employed by companies like GitLab and Elastic (the creators of Elasticsearch), who want to benefit from the open-source community but also need to generate revenue to sustain their projects.

Meanwhile, some open-source projects have adopted more restrictive licenses to protect their work from commercial exploitation. A well-known example is MongoDB, which switched from the AGPL license to the Server Side Public License (SSPL), effectively restricting its use by cloud providers. This move sparked debates about whether the SSPL should be considered open-source, with many arguing that it restricts the software’s freedoms.

Real-world examples: open source vs. closed source

Let’s take a look at a few examples where the battle between open-source and closed-source software is particularly prominent:

Linux vs. Windows: The Linux operating system, which is open-source, powers a significant portion of the world’s servers, smartphones (via Android), and supercomputers. In contrast, Windows remains the dominant operating system for desktops and laptops. While Linux benefits from widespread collaboration, Windows excels in providing a seamless, user-friendly experience with extensive software compatibility.

MySQL vs. Oracle: MySQL, a popular open-source database, was acquired by Oracle in 2008. Oracle has since moved MySQL’s enterprise version behind a paid license, leading to concerns in the open-source community about the future of MySQL. The situation resulted in the rise of MariaDB, a fork of MySQL that remains fully open-source.

WordPress vs. Wix: WordPress, an open-source content management system (CMS), powers over 40% of the web. Users have the freedom to customize and extend WordPress to meet their needs. In contrast, Wix, a closed-source website builder, offers a more user-friendly experience with drag-and-drop functionality but comes with limitations in customization and scalability.

The future of software licensing

As cloud computing and SaaS (Software as a Service) models continue to grow, the line between open and closed-source software becomes increasingly blurred. Companies are exploring new models that leverage the strengths of both ecosystems, leading to the emergence of hybrid licensing structures. In the coming years, we can expect to see more companies opting for hybrid models, where core software is open-source, while additional services, support, and features are available through paid licenses.

Conclusion

The debate between open-source and closed-source software is far from settled, and it’s not just a matter of technical preference.

It’s about how software is distributed, used, and sustained in the modern world. Open-source fosters innovation and collaboration, while closed-source ensures control and monetization.

As both models continue to evolve, the licensing wars will undoubtedly shape the future of programming, pushing developers, businesses, and entire industries toward new paradigms in software development.