Open-source software (OSS) is computer software that is available in source code form for which the source code and certain other rights normally reserved for copyright holders are provided under a software license that permits users to study, change, improve and at times also to distribute the ...
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25 views
Is building some sort of unique open-source crowdsourcing platform a good and worth idea? [closed]
According to Wikipedia:
Crowdsourcing is a process that involves outsourcing tasks to a distributed group of people. This process can occur both online and offline, and the difference between ...
1
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1answer
65 views
Selling app containing open source package
I'm building an app that contains an open source package protected under EDL license
http://www.eclipse.org/org/documents/edl-v10.php
Can I sell it?
Do I need to specify something in my app's ...
1
vote
2answers
121 views
Should I make a website open source?
I want to make a website, that is by definition a software, but I don't remind seeing any open source websites. My website like many is supposed to pay itself by ads.
Is there a reason why I should ...
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0answers
97 views
Business plan for a ERP/CRM/e-commerce solution StartUp
I'm creating a startup around a software that covers into a unique solution all the EPR/CRM/e-commerce area, that is al 70% already developed and used into my company. As I realized it comes out to be ...
0
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2answers
103 views
Monetization of a big open-source software frameworks
Let's consider jQuery is an example project for my question.
jQuery is the most renown java script open source software framework nowadays. It was created when working with JavaScript was a real ...
5
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7answers
293 views
Will Open-Sourcing my SaaS solution positively impact revenue?
I have yet to go public with my SaaS startup, and am considering releasing it under an open-source license.
Below are some thoughts I've collated in answer to this question:
No
As competitors ...
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2answers
87 views
Could anyone recommend a popular and highly supported open source ERP system?
Our business is currently growing and we're beginning to feel the need for an ERP system. After looking around it seems there are an overwhelming amount of options and its tough to weed out the good ...
0
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1answer
215 views
How can Android be open source and trademarked at the same time?
I'm trying to understand more about open source projects and trademarks.
From what I know, Android is an open source project, although started by Google, is not owned by anybody. If that's the case, ...
2
votes
3answers
58 views
Changing Licensing model for a Software Framework to more permissive
I'm author of the "Agile Toolkit" Framework. Currently it's available under dual license
Affero GPL - any use, personal or commercial
Permissive license for $130/domain
Permissive license for ...
1
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2answers
48 views
Smaller Project for Free Open Source as Leverage
Is it smart to release a small project as free and open-source to display my abilities as a programmer.
I don't mean that in a "Hey, look at me, I'm awesome!" way.
I mean it in a "This is the quality ...
1
vote
2answers
122 views
How to structure pre-paid professional support for an Open Source product?
I'm offering professional support for an open source product, with the blessings of the team behind it.
What is a good way to structure support to make this good for my clients AND worth my while?
...
1
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2answers
62 views
Commerical Open Source and Community Open Source
I am thinking on working on an ERP system that I can sell or support on it. Currently, I have OpenERP and Tryton in my mind. Based on the comparison done on Wikipedia and other website, I was noticed ...
0
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4answers
164 views
MySQL and PostgreSQL licence issue
Our company wants to use MySQL for one software product, and our product is not open-source. Is it legal to use it freely?
If not, how about PostgreSQL? Is this okay for our purpose?
2
votes
7answers
655 views
Open-source, cloud-based project management software options?
I'm looking for a good solution for a cloud-based project management software for startups.
I really like 37 Signals "Basecamp", but cannot justify the monthly fee at this moment with all the ...
1
vote
1answer
214 views
Developing open-source project via sponsorship or company-to-individual contracting as a path to a startup/incorporation?
I've been working on open-source projects for years basically without pay. Although I had a salary while I helped develop these projects under the umbrella need for something at work, much of the ...
8
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2answers
168 views
What blogs cover upcoming open source projects useful to creating web-based startups?
What sites do you follow that cover the latest OSS projects? I'm interested in keeping tabs on the latest up-and-coming projects (especially PHP) for their business potential.
1
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2answers
152 views
How to earn from an OpenSource Venture
do you know how people earn through open source ventures? When free and open source projects help many in great ways, still I think that the people who get involved in it full time (not volunteers) ...
2
votes
3answers
167 views
How do ensure I am not violating any Open Source licenses when I sell my software?
I few months back I was talking to friend who works in M&A for a big software company and he was telling me that a large deal just got killed because they realized that part of the code was built ...
2
votes
4answers
282 views
How to find people interested to participate in a brand-new open-source project?
I recently set up an open-source infrastructure for Obix.
Obix is a new, object-oriented programming language designed to help people writing more reliable code in less time. More information can be ...
10
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5answers
615 views
Creating non-profit startup from open-source software project
I founded an open-source software project for voting about 8 years ago. It has been mostly a solo project, and it is very successful in that it is by far the most well known and most used software in ...
2
votes
4answers
131 views
Need advice on getting the word out about an open source and free site
A few months back I got tired of doing portfolio tracking in a spreadsheet and sat down and made a site. I got a few friends and family to start using it as well for their portfolios but have been ...
4
votes
6answers
570 views
Can a consumer oriented startup be .NET based?
I'm about to join a new startup as their CTO and we need to choose our server software stack. The client side is a mobile application (Android, iPhone, etc.) so the server side exposes an API and ...
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3answers
158 views
What are business models of open source projects?
I'm thinking about developing a software library for iPhone with my friend. Our target is a developing country where the mobile phone market is still very young, compared to U.S. The problem is that I ...
1
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2answers
63 views
Are patents also relevant for open-source software providers?
Afaik, patents restrict commercial use of a patented idea.
But what about open-source providers who are giving away the software without commercial interest? Do patents apply to them at all or can ...
4
votes
3answers
271 views
Tips on open-source project - should it be free, licensed, etc?
I have been working on this project seen here. It is a Photography CMS (like WordPress). I cannot visualize a business model to provide funds to support the project. I want to release it as a free, ...
1
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2answers
135 views
What are the legalities concerning supporting open source software?
For the last couple months, I have been building small HTPCs with a variety of software on them, tailored to what my customers (so far just my friends) want.
There is a market there, but I'm ...
5
votes
4answers
451 views
How to enter a market dominated by a poor Open-Source product
An established but somehow abandoned open-source project dominates a niche market.
We wonder why users recommend this software everywhere as it is ridiculuosly complicated and geeky to configure. I ...
0
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1answer
120 views
Work-for-hire Question in relation to Open Source Project
I'm building my own Q&A community based on open source software that is governed by the GNU General Public License. So far I have been outsourcing the development to different programmers, but it ...
6
votes
4answers
553 views
Advantages and Disadvantages of Making Source Code Public
I like the idea of open source collaboration and making our code for our application we are building public on github. This would allow people to give their input and even allow certain parts of the ...
3
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1answer
113 views
Start an Open Source Development
I am a freelance developer and I basically develop ERP, graphics software, components, web and other such things. I always thought about an open source development of the software that I basically ...
2
votes
5answers
282 views
Where can I propose an open source project and collaborate on software requirements before starting to code?
I'm searching for a website to start a new open source project--I want to start the developing of a "Sport Training Log".
I have some software development skills, but not everything I need (I don't ...
12
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3answers
445 views
“What if you get hit by a bus?”
I'm negotiating a B2B licensing deal for some technology.
I typically license it as a managed service, and don't share code, because I want to protect trade secrets.
A new potential client is hoping ...
6
votes
7answers
365 views
How to turn a WordPress plugin into a business?
Over the past two years, I've developed a relatively successful WordPress plugin. It started out as a hobby project, but now I'd like to try and turn it into a business.
About the plugin
Checks the ...
3
votes
1answer
107 views
Do I need to pay for a commercial licence?
I'm working on a software application in a large company as consultant. I use a library released as Dual License Model (AGPL v3 and Commercial).
Do I need to purchase a commercial license to use the ...
2
votes
6answers
269 views
Open source model for startups - is it possible?
There is an open source development model for software which is quite popular. I am wondering if this idea is applicable for startups?
Imagine there is a web based start up at its early stage which ...
0
votes
4answers
316 views
How do I create a blog aggregator?
A music blog aggregator to be specific, similar to Hypem.com, I wish I could customize Hypem.com with my own list of music blogs, but since I cant I was wondering how much work would it entail in me ...
2
votes
2answers
336 views
How did Magento create an commercial Enterprise version when magento is open source?
It's interesting how an open source product has a commercial version, nice business strategy to get market penetration!
How did Magento create an commercial Enterprise version when magento is open ...
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1answer
116 views
What's the best automation trick you know that would relate to most startups?
Believe the question is clear, if you have questions, just let me know. All real answers will get a vote up by me, and I will select an answer in 24-48 hours. Cheers!
Example: MS-Word Mail Merge, ...
2
votes
2answers
38 views
Any tips for preparing a Contributor License for an Open Source Project?
In spite of some of the advice on Answers.OnStartups, I've recently open-sourced a library I wrote for a vertical niche (http://atdl4net.org/ if anyone is interested, although it isn't too relevant to ...
5
votes
10answers
971 views
CMS for online magazine startup?
I want to start an online magazine website and I'd like to know what platform to use.
Something like Wordpress, Drupal, and other CMS systems, any recommendations?
1
vote
4answers
193 views
Hosted Scripts Web Startup
I'm starting a web startup that hosts open source scripts such as wordpress, joomla, phpbb etc for free, any user gets a working website, with a sub-domain.
Users get free sub-domain and hosting, ...
8
votes
10answers
637 views
Make my failed Web application open source?
I've outsourced the creation of Web Spy Pro (www.webspypro.com) last year.
It's a Webanalytics software that record/play the visitor mouse movements, so you can see exactly what visitors are doing on ...
2
votes
1answer
124 views
Web-based Business Built on Open Source and Questions about Funding Options
it's my first post here so be gentle :)
First, I've read a few similar posts to the one I'm writing but I wasn't able to find an answer that fit the same mold.
Project Details:
I have been involved ...
0
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1answer
67 views
Is it OK to begin with OSS licensed code and then since the business plan has some uniqueness rewrite it later?
My company now a sole-proprieter at this point is for many years coming up with a business plan and modifying it. All along developers tried to do and complete the project but they could not handle ...
2
votes
4answers
186 views
Any good guides on starting out as consultant?
Okay, so my reason for wanting to become a consultant is so it's easier for communication between my clients and future clients. Right now, I've sold myself as a 3 employee start up company, but ...
1
vote
2answers
173 views
turning open source software into a consulting business?
just some general and specific questions about running a business which uses open source software and sells training, services, and other value added solutions utilizing the open source asset(s) ...
2
votes
4answers
141 views
Getting people involved in product design and development
I still don't get the behavior or motivation behind people developing pieces for your game(software) for free...
why would anybody do that?
8
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4answers
429 views
Making money out of a free and open-source application
I've been working on a free and open-source wiki application since 2006 (that's 4 years!), and now my startup has taken over the development. Well, at least "officially".
We make several thousands ...
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2answers
85 views
What does it mean to “open the platform”
Sorry for asking such a simple question, but what does it mean to opensource a platform?
3
votes
3answers
201 views
Sponsorship of an open source project, how much to charge?
I have a reasonably successful open-source project ( www.mediabrowser.tv ). The website is seeing over 50K unique visitors a month.
I would like to monetize some of this traffic by offering a ...
