Imagine this scenario: I develop an open source software (a kind of chatting server). And I don't mind if somebody decides to install this server and offer a paid service based on it. Does GPL license allow this? Or should I publish the software under MIT or smth like this?
+1
A:
The GPL only applies to distribution, so it would be fine there.
Cody Brocious
2009-05-06 11:20:32
+2
A:
GPL applies to software distribution. In case someone uses your or even modified binary to provide a service, he/she does not have to provide the sources. However, if that person distributes your or modified binary, he/she must comply with GPL by shipping binary together with the source code, or a several-year-valid-written-offer to provide access to source code.
If you want to prevent that person from providing service without providing source (including modified source) for the service, you can use GNU Affero General Public License.
Ivan Vučica
2009-05-06 11:31:49