Re: Debian for business?
On Sat, Nov 13, 2004 at 02:26:50AM -0800, ken keanon wrote:
> 2. It can be easily updated and upgraded.
Most definately. That's precisely why I use it on my server and desktop! :)
> My questions:
> 1. Is it free because it is not popular?
It's free because the founders ensured that it would stay GPL or
compatable.
> If its user base keep growings, will there not be a temptation to
> commercialise it?
I think you are confusing the word "free". There are two meanings,
"free" as in speech (you can make copies and/or change things), and
"free" as in beer (we don't charge any money). The GPL as I understand
it says that the source must remain "free" as in speech and "free" as in
beer. This is why Linksys has a download page for parts of their source
code, since they include some pieces of GPL software.
Some distributions are commercial in nature and run off some form of
what was once Debian. Two examples I can think of are Linspire/Lindows
and Xandros. What makes their distribution different than Debian is
that they (probably) use a different installer and a different
application upgrade process. They both use dpkg as package management
utilities for installing software, but may have different means to get
the software. Linspire, for example, pushes the "Click-n-Run" method.
If I'm not mistaken, it's probably something like a proprietary apt-get
with a fancy GUI front-end.
Anyways, Debian itself will remain free as in speech and free as in
beer. People will continue to fork new projects (such as KNOPPIX, etc)
that are both free and commercial. I think it's a great compliment to
the Debian developers that they have done such a great job.
> 2. Can I use it on a business basis? E.g. get a hardware platform,
> load in Debian plus some necessary packages and sell the integrated
> system, subsequently, provide regular support and service.
Absolutely! The GPL restricts you when you modify software, and then
redistribute the software. The redistributed software must be GPL. But
it makes no mention of charging for your installation and support
services.
> Is Debian reliable enough for this purpose? Has it been done by others?
I run it on my server, which I provide webhosting for a few clients. As
far as a desktop, Debian would be great to roll out because of the
stability. And if you didn't need to upgrade the packages all that
often. :)
Jeremy
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