Session: 2 for 1: Strategies for Open Source Prosperity in the Cloud Age / 5 keys to keeping your customers away from SaaS-y Ecommerce

Jonah Harris: Strategies for Open Source Prosperity in the Cloud Age

Facing the challenge of monetizing open-source software (OSS) in the cloud era, creators are caught between the need for commercial success and the ethos of community-driven development. Recent high-profile license changes, such as HashiCorp’s move from the Mozilla Public License (MPL) to the Business Source License (BSL) and Redis’s transition from the BSD License to the Redis Source Available License and SSPL, have sparked significant debate and, in some cases, backlash within the OSS community. These shifts underscore the complex considerations OSS creators face in pursuing profitability while adhering to open-source principles. This session investigates these tensions, examining case studies of license transitions and their implications for the commercialization and sustainability of OSS in the cloud-dominated landscape. By exploring business perspectives and practical experiences, this session offers insights and strategies for OSS projects to navigate the evolving market dynamics, licensing models, and the pursuit of growth amidst the cloud industry’s giants. The goal is to provide a nuanced roadmap for achieving commercial viability in OSS projects, balancing open collaboration with the necessities of commercial success in the cloud age.

Josh Ward: 5 keys to keeping your customers away from SaaS-y Ecommerce

In this presentation, we’ll explore the advantages of using an open-source platform like Magento or WooCommerce compared to a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution like Shopify for your eCommerce needs. We’ll delve into the flexibility, control, cost implications, and customization opportunities that make open source a powerful choice for businesses looking to build a robust online store.

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