Ext 2.1 released .. and GPL'd!
Category Ext
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In case you missed it the Ext guys announced the release of version 2.1 today. This looks like another fantastic update with a significant focus on performance improvements - I've certainly seen some older machines go a bit slow at times so this should help.
There is also a sneak preview of Ext 3.0 which is available on the SVN trunk but most notably for me the licensing has changed.
I can't remember the exact details of the previous release but essentially the graphics and design (CSS) were under quite a restrictive license limiting their use to only with the Ext framework and the framework code was released under the LGPL (Lesser GPL). This meant that you could use the Ext framework to create a program that you would sell.
Now the whole framework is available under the GPL (I'm not sure if this will apply to version 2.1 onwards only or also apply to previous versions). There is also a commercial license which has always been there - particularly if you wanted support. Now I think this means:
+ You can use the Ext framework for your own personal use (ie no distribution of a product) for no charge.
+ You can use the Ext framework to create applications within your business for no charge.
+ If you create a product that uses Ext (a derivative works) that you want to distribute for no charge then the product must be distributed under the GPL (or a compatible license) and the source code made available. You can do this for no charge.
+ If you create a product using Ext that you want to sell on and you wish to keep the source code closed you will need to buy a commercial license - which by the way are not that expensive for what you are getting.
Now I've tried to condense into 4 points what I find to be quite a tricky area - so corrections appreciated. I've done this partly because I find the whole open source licensing thing a bit difficult - so I assume others do to (has anyone found a good dummies guide?).
So I think a few more people will be reaching into their pockets now, but I certainly won't have a problem spending the money given the value and quality of what you get.
Bookmark :
In case you missed it the Ext guys announced the release of version 2.1 today. This looks like another fantastic update with a significant focus on performance improvements - I've certainly seen some older machines go a bit slow at times so this should help.
There is also a sneak preview of Ext 3.0 which is available on the SVN trunk but most notably for me the licensing has changed.
I can't remember the exact details of the previous release but essentially the graphics and design (CSS) were under quite a restrictive license limiting their use to only with the Ext framework and the framework code was released under the LGPL (Lesser GPL). This meant that you could use the Ext framework to create a program that you would sell.
Now the whole framework is available under the GPL (I'm not sure if this will apply to version 2.1 onwards only or also apply to previous versions). There is also a commercial license which has always been there - particularly if you wanted support. Now I think this means:
+ You can use the Ext framework for your own personal use (ie no distribution of a product) for no charge.
+ You can use the Ext framework to create applications within your business for no charge.
+ If you create a product that uses Ext (a derivative works) that you want to distribute for no charge then the product must be distributed under the GPL (or a compatible license) and the source code made available. You can do this for no charge.
+ If you create a product using Ext that you want to sell on and you wish to keep the source code closed you will need to buy a commercial license - which by the way are not that expensive for what you are getting.
Now I've tried to condense into 4 points what I find to be quite a tricky area - so corrections appreciated. I've done this partly because I find the whole open source licensing thing a bit difficult - so I assume others do to (has anyone found a good dummies guide?).
So I think a few more people will be reaching into their pockets now, but I certainly won't have a problem spending the money given the value and quality of what you get.
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Comments
Good summary, just one correction from me, You can (but don't have to) charge for distribution of a GPL covered work, you might do the work as a chargeable service for a client which is slightly different to charging for distribution.
This will make a bit of a difference for some use cases of ext.ND.
Posted by Alan Bell At 10:16:07 On 23/04/2008 | - Website - |