Can GeoServer be used in a commercial application?

Question

GeoServer is licensed under the GPLv2. I know that this means I cannot make derivative commercial works from this application. For instance, I cannot add new interfaces, plugins, etc to GeoServer as a closed source application.

However, can I use it as a backend server to frontend closed source application? An oGC compliant map server it exposes certain OGC compliant interfaces for consuming maps and data. There are several other GIS servers that are able to do this such as MapServer (free) and ArcGIS Server (commercial).

So, let's say I create a closed source Flex GIS framework for consuming data through OGC compliant web services. If I sold this application, and included GeoServer (unmodified) as part of the install (with the appropriate licenses included) would I be in violation of the GPL?

How can I use GeoServer in a commercial closed source application, if at all?

Answer 1

I think I found the answer here.

http://geoserver.org/display/GEOSDOC/Do+I+need+a+proprietary+license+FAQ

I'm an integrator who is accessing GeoServer's WFS and WMS with a proprietary system, do I need to buy a license?

No, the GPL only comes in to effect when you link code. If you are working behind standard interfaces there is no requirement to buy a proprietary license.

I'm an integrator who is using GeoServer with a proprietary database, do I need to buy a license?

No, the GPL does not cover the database that you're integrating with. Indeed if it did then we would not be able to have GeoServer support ArcSDE, Oracle, and DB2.

I used the core modules of GeoServer to build a new Geo-chicken services, but did not utilize any W*S services, do I have to release my code?

Currently you do have to release your code, or obtain a proprietary license. But the community is considering plans to release the core modules under an LGPL license. If you are interested in such a licensing agreement, please get in touch, as we are very interested in allowing people to build new services on top of the core.

Answer 2

Yes, if you don't sell the application and apply the GPL to it.

If you sell it, you have follow a lot of rules ;)