commercial


 

What are the benefits of Open Source?

Transparency

Open source software is fully transparent. Since the source code is publicly available, you can review it, modify it, and build upon it. This promotes trust, security, and innovation.

Freedom and Control

Open source returns control to the user. You're not locked into a single vendor’s ecosystem—you have the power to customize the software to your needs.

No Vendor Lock-In

If you're dissatisfied with your current provider, you can easily switch to another without incurring massive switching costs. Open source gives you true freedom of choice.

Active Developer Community

Open source projects are often maintained by vibrant and active developer communities. Bugs are identified and fixed faster, updates are frequent, and new features are added continuously.

Lower Costs

Because you don’t need to build everything from scratch, development costs are significantly lower. Even commercial open source licenses tend to be much more affordable than traditional proprietary solutions.

What Does “Open Source” Mean?

All Gurux open source products are licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2 (GPLv2). This allows you to use the software for free, even in commercial applications, as long as you comply with the license terms.

You can review the full GPLv2 license here.

Anyone intending to use Gurux software as part of a commercial or distributed product must be familiar with these licensing requirements.

 

Distribution Guidelines

If you distribute Gurux software—either in original or modified form—the GPLv2 license requires that you also make the complete corresponding source code available. 
Failing to provide the source code violates the license terms and infringes on Gurux’s copyright. 
This applies even if you haven’t modified the code. Distributing binaries without the corresponding source is a violation.

Using Gurux Software in Your Own Products

  • Using Gurux software as-is (without changes or integrating it into your own source code): Free, even commercially.
  • Modifying the source code or integrating parts of it into your own products: Your product must be open sourced under the same GPLv2 license.
  • Do not want to release your source code? You must purchase a dual license from Gurux.

Dual Licensing

With a dual license, you gain the right to:

  • Use, modify, and distribute Gurux software without having to release your own source code.
  • Keep your proprietary code private.

Note: With a dual license, you’re not buying the copyright—you’re purchasing the right to use the code under different terms.

 

Source Code Availability

All Gurux open source software is available on GitHub

GPL Compliance & License Enforcement

Open source software is still protected by copyright law. Violating the GPL license is a legal infringement, and Gurux reserves the right to enforce its rights. 
If you use or distribute Gurux software, you must:

  • Distribute the full source code with the executable files, or
  • Provide a written offer to supply the source code for at least three years, or
  • Include a written offer from a third party who will supply the source code

In all cases, the source code must match the exact version used to build the binaries. 
Failure to comply—such as adding features or fixing bugs without redistributing the updated source—is a violation of GPLv2.

 

Example Scenarios

Q: Why should we buy a commercial license if we can use it for free? 
A: Support. When an issue arises, would you rather say: 
a) “I found this online,” or 
b) “We have a vendor. They’ll help us.” 
Q: We distributed Gurux binaries but didn’t include source code. Now someone requested it. What should we do? 
A: You are currently violating the license. Stop distribution until you provide the corresponding source code, or enter into a dual license agreement. 
Q: We used parts of Gurux’s source code but don’t want a dual license. What can we do? 
A: Contact us via email. Our legal team will help you find a solution that works for both parties.

Summary

  • Using Gurux software as-is: Free
  • Modifying or integrating Gurux source: Must release your source under GPLv2, or get a dual license
  • Distributing binaries? You must also distribute or offer the full source
  • Violations are often unintentional—just ask us if you're unsure!

Have questions about licensing or need a quote for a dual license? Contact us by email or phone. We’ll be happy to help.