Kettle and Pot or Peas in a Pod? A Debate on Open-Source and Proprietary Software

Is the 'free' in open-source software a hidden iceberg of cost and compliance risk? Learn the trade-offs before you choose.

#1about 1 minute

Why software licensing matters for developers and business

Understanding software licenses is crucial for developers to ensure code quality and for businesses to manage intellectual property and market risks.

#2about 2 minutes

The rise of hybrid applications in modern software

Data shows that most modern applications are hybrid, combining internal code with a significant and growing number of open source components.

#3about 2 minutes

Comparing the pros and cons of different code types

Evaluate the trade-offs between internal code for control, open source for speed, and proprietary code for predictability and support.

#4about 1 minute

A brief overview of open source license models

Learn the key differences between permissive licenses like MIT and Apache and copyleft licenses like GPL and AGPL.

#5about 2 minutes

Common licensing pitfalls and how to avoid them

Mitigate risks from license incompatibility and AI-generated code by using automated scanning tools, SBOMs, and early legal consultation.

#6about 2 minutes

Why commercial licenses provide compliance clarity

Commercial licenses offer legal certainty, faster issue resolution, and indemnification, which is critical for highly regulated industries.

#7about 5 minutes

Case study: The evolution of a dual-license model

The iText PDF library's shift from a permissive LGPL to a dual AGPL and commercial model demonstrates how to balance community contribution with business sustainability.

#8about 3 minutes

How to choose between open source and commercial tools

Make an informed decision by evaluating a tool's technical fit, scalability, integration difficulty, and the quality of its maintenance and support.

#9about 1 minute

Calculating the total cost of ownership for software

Look beyond the initial price by considering the hidden costs of open source maintenance versus the bundled support and security of commercial software.

#10about 2 minutes