Free open-source software is not so free anymore as more companies — including longtime makers of conventional software — strive to make money on the technology.
True, open-source software remains available for free to programmers, or anyone, worldwide. Communities of developers share the source code and make fixes and improvements, which must be shared.
But many companies have adopted a dual-license business model in dealing with open-source software. The basic software is free, but fees are charged for premium versions or services.
Traditional for-profit software makers are using more open-source software in their products and embracing other elements of the open-source process. This helps the for-profit makers lower development costs and speed up release dates.
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