I’ve talked in the past about a number of “open source” business models. There’s the MySQL “dual license” model, where all the software is available under an open license but a proprietary license can be purchased.

This opinion piece (PDF) in Notices of the American Mathematical Society, argues that since mathematicians increasingly rely on software in generating their results, we should be increasingly concerned about the use of proprietary math software, since (a) not everyone has access to that software and (b) the code used by that software is usually closed-source, so the algorithms used can’t general

The merits of the open source distribution model in generating sales leads have been well documented but it’s always good to see statistics that back up the theory. I recently talked with a new open source software vendor (who will remain nameless, although in the interests of avoiding confusion I should state it was not LoopFuse) that shared with me some statistics about its first year distributing open source code and the comparative cost of lead generation using the proprietary model.

There was a time when Open Source software was considered has poor man's software. Now, with the economy slowdown in all the industries, adoption of Open source software has increased dramatically and its common to hear from all the big entrepreneurs to adopt Open Source software.

Matt Hartley at Datamation recently suggested promoting open source adoption -- using a very different venue. He suggests mall kiosks as a potentially effective way to spread the word about open source software, and how it can work for the average computer user.

The open source model of developing software is making a significant impact, not only in the software development and broader high-tech community, but more generally within corporations, other types of businesses and organizations around the world, as Part 1 of this series describes.

GoAhead Software Moves to Open Source Business Model. GoAhead® Software today announces that it is shifting its business model and technology strategy from its proprietary SAFfire product to an open source software model. Simultaneous with the move to open source, GoAhead is announcing the acquisition of Avantellis from Emerson Network Power.

When I first found out about open source software, I felt the sky was the limit — with the source code, I could do anything now! But after working on open source ERP for the last seven years, I’ve come to realize that customizing software, even open source software, should not be taken lightly.

In the current economic climate, businesses of every size are looking to reduce their spending wherever possible. Open source software, which has no upfront licensing fees, is one way of achieving significant savings.