Shane Coughlan (Opendawn) and Armijn Hemel (Loohuis Consulting) published an article on LWN.net.

“Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) allows all stakeholders to use, study, share and improve code for commercial or non-commercial reasons. However, engagement can still appear daunting to companies. They are monetizing other people’s creations, and, with the high economic value of FOSS, making a mistake is less easily forgiven than it might be in non-commercial circumstances.

Fortunately, there is a substantial body of documentation available to help commercial stakeholders learn how FOSS licenses work, how to communicate effectively to resolve issues, and how to understand what expectations might exist beyond simple legal requirements. There are also several organizations acting as neutral educators dedicated to licensing, development, and governance issues.“

You can read the full text on LWN.net.

For more information about code governance, how companies can adhere to FOSS requirements, and Opendawn’s services in this area please contact us.