[asterisk-users] receive faxes

[Michelle Dupuis]

I think the OP's point was that open source should mean:

Free to modify
Free to contribute code
Free to use.

Leaving the first two but taking away the "free to use" really takes the F out of FOSS.  There have been other posts discussing Digium's license requirements, code ownership, etc.  I think it's a fair and valid discussion (no need for a "love it all or leave it" attitude).

Digium risks following the same path as Oracle with their Java product.  Java was THE open standard for programming for a long time, but this status is in jeopardy as they clarify their license expectations.  I don't think Digium is at risk of a major backlash tomorrow, but it's a fine line to walk and easy to fall.


________________________________________
From: asterisk-users-bounces at lists.digium.com [asterisk-users-bounces at lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of ERIC HERRON [eric at lanline.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 1:17 PM
To: Asterisk Users List
Subject: Re: [asterisk-users] receive faxes

Awsome +1

From: asterisk-users-bounces at lists.digium.com [mailto:asterisk-users-bounces at lists.digium.com] On Behalf Of Warren Selby
Sent: Thursday, May 05, 2011 12:06 PM
To: Asterisk Users Mailing List - Non-Commercial Discussion
Subject: Re: [asterisk-users] receive faxes

On Wed, May 4, 2011 at 9:01 AM, vip killa <vipkilla at gmail.com<mailto:vipkilla at gmail.com>> wrote:
screw that.... i just got hylafax to work with IAXMODEM...i refuse to pay digium a dime... supposed to be open-source right?

I don't believe you really understand what Open Source means...it does not mean "FREE".  It means that the source is open, not proprietary, and anyone can download it and compile it and modify it and do what they want with it.  Which is something your company has obviously already done - they've downloaded it, compiled it, and are using it in some capacity to make money (or are using it in support of the process of making money).  Otherwise how would you get paid?  Digium is the same - they are a company that makes money so they can pay their employees who contribute to making Asterisk a better product.  Imagine if Digium made no money, because they just did everything for free (support, modules, etc).  How long do you think they'd last?  How long do you think their employees would continue to come into work and contribute to the Asterisk project when they have no salary?  Not very.

If you think asterisk is such a horrible project, and that Digium is so evil, why not find a better alternative, pitch it to your managers, and convince them that your solution is better in the long run.  If you can't do that, maybe find someone that understands asterisk a little better and bring them in to help support your system, leaving you free to not have to deal with something you despise so much.

--
Thanks,
--Warren Selby, dCAP
http://www.selbytech.com