April 6th, 2005, 06:33 AM
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Contributing User
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 43
Time spent in forums: 5 h 40 m 31 sec
Reputation Power: 5
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Modified Open Source project with an ASP environment
Hi,
Im considering modifying a script which is available as Open Source which is licensed under the GNU LESSER GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE - Version 2.1, February 1999.
Once the development work has been completed, I would like to use the script within an ASP environment where customers would be able to login to use the software.
Would I still have to provide a copy of the modified source code to the original author even though the software would not be being used by the general public?
I spotted this extract from the GNU GPL FAQ site:
Quote: A company is running a modified version of a GPL'ed program on a web site. Does the GPL say they must release their modified sources?
The GPL permits anyone to make a modified version and use it without ever distributing it to others. What this company is doing is a special case of that. Therefore, the company does not have to release the modified sources.
It is essential for people to have the freedom to make modifications and use them privately, without ever publishing those modifications. However, putting the program on a server machine for the public to talk to is hardly "private" use, so it would be legitimate to require release of the source code in that special case. We are thinking about doing something like this in GPL version 3, but we don't have precise wording in mind yet. |
The development to the script could potentially cost a large amount of money, so I would be reluctant to start this project if I have to then provide my code which could be placed on the open internet.
Many thanks for the advice.
Ben.
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