using open source systems for enterprise systems
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Hi guys, I am working in an IT company for a project of a US based bank. Now as a part of vendor's team, I would like to deploy some tools like Wikis, etc for internal process improvements. My question is that what are the legal aspects of using open source tools like mediawiki for commercial purposes. We had submitted the request to client for approval but they rejected on the grounds that they already have such a system. The team members do not prefer that system because it can be accessed over citrix only. Can anyone help me as to how I can convince my client to use open source products for internal purposes only. Are there any substantial legal issues?
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Hi guys, I am working in an IT company for a project of a US based bank. Now as a part of vendor's team, I would like to deploy some tools like Wikis, etc for internal process improvements. My question is that what are the legal aspects of using open source tools like mediawiki for commercial purposes. We had submitted the request to client for approval but they rejected on the grounds that they already have such a system. The team members do not prefer that system because it can be accessed over citrix only. Can anyone help me as to how I can convince my client to use open source products for internal purposes only. Are there any substantial legal issues?
rohans84 wrote:
My question is that what are the legal aspects of using open source tools like mediawiki for commercial purposes.
It depends on the license, which mostly prohibits reselling parts of the software - not the mere use of it. The wikimedia-software falls under the GPL, the text on the wikipedia is protected separately under the Create Commons license.
rohans84 wrote:
Can anyone help me as to how I can convince my client to use open source products for internal purposes only.
Just ask for a budget to buy decent software :)
I are Troll :suss:
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rohans84 wrote:
My question is that what are the legal aspects of using open source tools like mediawiki for commercial purposes.
It depends on the license, which mostly prohibits reselling parts of the software - not the mere use of it. The wikimedia-software falls under the GPL, the text on the wikipedia is protected separately under the Create Commons license.
rohans84 wrote:
Can anyone help me as to how I can convince my client to use open source products for internal purposes only.
Just ask for a budget to buy decent software :)
I are Troll :suss:
Eddy Vluggen wrote:
Just ask for a budget to buy decent software
Yes, but if I am using a software that falls under GPL, then why need a separate budget? I know that the client has issues concerning security about the data posted in the wikis and I would probably be able to address them too. But are there any monetary issues if we use softwares under GPL license? We would not be reselling any such product...
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Eddy Vluggen wrote:
Just ask for a budget to buy decent software
Yes, but if I am using a software that falls under GPL, then why need a separate budget? I know that the client has issues concerning security about the data posted in the wikis and I would probably be able to address them too. But are there any monetary issues if we use softwares under GPL license? We would not be reselling any such product...
rohans84 wrote:
if I am using a software that falls under GPL, then why need a separate budget?
You don't 'need' it, you just want to ask for it. One of the differences between proprietary software and open source software is the price. Asking for a budget forces the client to think about the amount of money involved in the decision. Once they're in a thinking mood, they're open to suggestions.
rohans84 wrote:
I know that the client has issues concerning security about the data posted in the wikis and I would probably be able to address them too.
Depends on the settings, just as commercial software. Is there a specific concern, regarding the database or the communication?
rohans84 wrote:
But are there any monetary issues if we use softwares under GPL license? We would not be reselling any such product...
Not that I know of. You could check the FAQ[^] :)
I are Troll :suss: