A poll of sorts, about how to fairly license a self-hosted application
As I’m now working on simpleContact Pro I need to tackle licensing a commercial self-hosted application. I’ve been looking into how others do it and there seem to be a variety of options. Putting aside price for now, the dilemma is actually a collection of smaller issues:
- I want as many people as possible to use and benefit from my software
- If many people profit from my work and few buy it, I’d call that “getting ripped off”
- Per-domain licensing seems a little bit too strict
- Usage of an app where the code is not compiled would be impossible to police
- My resources are too limited to invest significant time and effort in the above
On reflection, the licensing model I’d like to adopt is as follows:
- Application costs x, for a personal use license (not restricted to one domain)
- Installation for a third party (e.g. a web designer working for a client) dictates a transference of ownership and requires a new purchase
- A user is not permitted to re-sell the software
- They may however charge for installation as a service at their discretion
- Charities or non-profit organisations may request a free copy of the application
- Users are trusted to act in a professional manner – no active policing
- Support will be denied to users who do not have a license
So what do you think?
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February 28th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Hi Alex
I think you should enforce per-domain licensing just for commercial sites - if you can.
By commercial I mean any site someone is making money from, either directly off the site or as a freelancer charging for a installation - these people should pay.
The quality of this product and the amount of time you have invested in putting it all together deserves rewards!
I’d like to think once people use it they will see the benefits and come back for more.
Maybe (if it’s possible) you could offer a discounted multi-license for commercial users?
Anyway - keep up the excellent work!
February 28th, 2008 at 10:07 am
So if I understand your suggestion, buying a license would entitle you to the following:
* To use the app on your own non-commercial sites, without limit
* Use of the app on one commercial site
* Further commercial use (of any kind) requires a new license
The multi or unlimited license idea is interesting. I’ll give that some thought.