What would it take to get developers to pay for something that is already freely available as open source?

Posted by plaureano on Programmers See other posts from Programmers or by plaureano
Published on 2011-02-15T01:52:54Z Indexed on 2011/02/15 7:33 UTC
Read the original article Hit count: 284

Filed under:

open-source

|

micro-isvs

|

product-development

For example, I know that open-source versions of IL readers/writers exist such as Cecil, and Microsoft's (closed source) CCI. What would it take to get developers to pay for something that is already freely available?

I have always wanted to start my own ISV by writing my own tools and selling them in the open market, but it's hard to gauge the demand, given that free alternatives already exist. Does anyone else have any successful experiences selling a commercial version of an open-source product?

© Programmers or respective owner

Related posts about open-source

Introducing Java/Open Source Daily, All the Java/Open Source Information You Need in One Newsletter

as seen on Internet.com - Search for 'Internet.com'
Internet.com launches a new daily newsletter to provide one-stop coverage of all the Java and Open Source information that matters to you. >>> More
Introducing Java/Open Source Daily, All the Java/Open Source Information You Need in One Newsletter

as seen on Internet.com - Search for 'Internet.com'
Internet.com launches a new daily newsletter to provide one-stop coverage of all the Java and Open Source information that matters to you. >>> More
The Open Source Open Source Conference

as seen on Internet.com - Search for 'Internet.com'
Portland, OR open source advocates took the loss of OSCON in stride: They launched their own open source conference. How did it stack up against the heavyweight, top-down competition? >>> More
Open Source: Open Source Contributions

as seen on Oracle Technology Network - Search for 'Oracle Technology Network'
Oracle investments in Linux yield substantial returns. >>> More
What are the strategies to become a good open source developer?

as seen on Programmers - Search for 'Programmers'
I always hear that involving with open source projects is good for career and the more (good) open source you release, the closer you will be to getting your dream job before you've even had an interview.I am expert in Java and I am trying to become fluent in Scala. I always think about getting involved… >>> More

Related posts about micro-isvs

Does BizSpark preclude you from accepting funding elsewhere?

as seen on Programmers - Search for 'Programmers'
I am going to embark very soon on a software venture (have been a consultant and employee up until now). I see advantages in signing up for Microsoft's BizSpark. However, I wonder if doing so would preclude me from accepting funding from some equity-esque arrangements potentially available via crowdfunding… >>> More
What are my options for selling software independently on Windows?

as seen on Programmers - Search for 'Programmers'
I am looking to port a tool from the Mac app store over to Windows, the platform where I spend most of my time these days. I've spoken with the author of the original app and we've begun talking about licensing options should I decide to sell the application, and it seems like it would be feasible… >>> More
What would it take to get developers to pay for something that is already freely available as open source?

as seen on Programmers - Search for 'Programmers'
For example, I know that open-source versions of IL readers/writers exist such as Cecil, and Microsoft's (closed source) CCI. What would it take to get developers to pay for something that is already freely available? I have always wanted to start my own ISV by writing my own tools and selling them… >>> More