Free Software
From MapbenderWiki
Lesen Sie hier die deutsche Version
Contents |
Development
Free Software development is an interpretation of the Freedom defined by the GNU GPL Software License. It is based on the Open Source principle but extends it with the collaborative component of the Free Software idea.
Added Value
Collaborating on a Free Software project renders added value to the participator. The principle is simple. Whenever a piece of software is shared with several others, the value of the software rises as contribution grows.
Contribution
Contribution to Free Software projects can come in many forms:
- Implementation
- Testing
- Documentation
- Support
- Finances
Mapbender Development organizes the development plan according to the various states of completion and financiation.
License
Free Software licenses implement four freedoms of the user. You can use, study, document, further develop, test, recommend and give this software to anybody at any time.
The only restriction is that the software has to be redistributed with exactly these license conditions. One of the most best known licenses is the GNU GPL License.
Therefore the GNU/GPL is a copyleft license in contrast to copyright (or copylost) licenses as are used by proprietary products.
There is a sibling to the GNU GPL which can be used for spatial data projects, the GNU FDL (GNU Free Documentation License).
Business Models with Free Software
Read more about Free Software Business Models to understand why and how you can earn and spend money working with Free Software.
