Patterns for the commercial use of open source: legal and licensing aspects

Abstract

Open Source has gained major importance throughout many industries. It provides an important element in the software value chain by offering features, functionality and quality, enabling a faster time to market while saving cost. The Open Source communities provide knowledge and support. Today it is not anymore the question "if" but rather "how" to use Open Source. The patterns target readers, who use or are planing to use Open Source components within their product, or to release components as Open Source themselves. The goal of the patterns is to foster an understanding of Open Source, to solve problems and mitigate risk which apply in particular in the commercial setting. The content of these patterns is non-technical and directed at developers as well as decision makers.