Forum OpenACS Q&A: Use of OpenACS' data model

Posted by Roberto Mello on 03/25/01 09:34 PM

We are doing a "Mailing List and Marketing Support System" (err...
spamware), for a big air conditioning company. The company is paying
the university and the university pays us in credit. I am trying to
convince them to GPL it, but they seem to want it proprietary (but the
war isn't over yet).

I'd like to use the OpenACS data model in this project, but can't be
sure if it'll be GPL'd or not yet, but need to start implementing now.
If I use the OpenACS data model (just SQL, no Tcl. The professor
recently mandated us to use PHP, not explicitly, but in effect), and
hook our application into it (e.g. use the permission system), will my
application constitute a derived work (in which case it would have to
be GPL'd)?

I would keep the GPL'd portions of the code open, obviously, but I
want to know if I can keep other portions of the system closed.

2: Response to Use of OpenACS' data model (response to 1)

Posted by Ben Adida on 03/25/01 09:42 PM

While you wouldn't have to open up your PHP code, you would
most probably have to open your data model if it is in any way
related to the OpenACS data model. Since I'm guessing you'll be
using the users table and such, your entire data model will
probably be a derivative work of the OpenACS data model, and
you'll have to release that under the GPL if it is distributed.

Now, the big question is: is there going to be redistribution? If
you're doing this work for a company's internal use, there
probably *isn't* redistribution. But, if that company intends on
selling the end-product, or distributing it in any way, you'll have to
release the data model under the GPL. In fact, as the company
will probably continue to edit the data model, they have to be
aware of GPL issues as their product evolves, because they will
have to release subsequent versions under the GPL, if those
versions are in any way derived from the original data model.

That's the GPL: it protects the open-source aspect of the code
with significant power. Thus the controversy around it.

3: Response to Use of OpenACS' data model (response to 1)

Posted by Roberto Mello on 03/25/01 10:49 PM

Thanks Ben.

I thought this is what would have to happen but wanted an opinion from
someone more experienced in the GPL implications on data models.

I am still trying to convince them that making it open source would
give them some significant advantages, especially because there are
several much larger/famous/marketed products on the market they want
to get into.

They intend to use the product internally in all their offices, but
also sell to other companies, at first in the same industry, and in
the future customize it for other industries.

It is also unfortunate that my professor almost mandated PHP after I
had talked to him so many times about using OpenNSD/AOLserver and
OpenACS, explained the benefits to him, and after he had given me the
ok to do id. *sighs*