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How to use open source software licenses
Developers are usually big fans of open source. However, decision-makers are often still skeptical, as the use of open source entails the risk of becoming vulnerable under licensing law or even having to disclose all of their own software components.
Many companies are looking into the potential use of open source software in their development projects. Developers are usually big open source fans, as the Internet offers an almost inexhaustible source of software treasures for solving tasks. However, decision-makers are often still skeptical, as the use of open source entails the risk of becoming vulnerable under licensing law or even having to disclose all of their own software components. Even if there are repeated reports of lawyers issuing warning letters and license trolls, this fear is unfounded if you know what you are doing and use the right tools.
The idea behind open source software is that software developers worldwide share the effort of creating new software. These are not just nerds who program in their spare time, but above all large companies that consciously make a contribution and invest extensive resources. Different license models have been developed to create the broadest possible base of global developers for open source software.
What you need to know...
When using open source software components, you need to know under which licenses they are made available. Users must comply with these license conditions. In most cases, these are obligations regarding use, documentation and disclosure. If you search for license information in the depths of your cell phone, you will find a very long text with a detailed list of the software components used.
It will tell you under which license these components are used, where you can obtain them and what options the manufacturer offers for making changes. Rarely will anyone want to reprogram their cell phone, but as with www.lineageos.org, it is generally possible thanks to open source license conditions.
If you are planning to use open source components, it is essential to know in advance which components you are allowed to use under which license conditions. GELin, the embedded Linux distribution from Ginzinger electronic systems, contains tools to automatically generate a kind of "parts list" from your project with a list of all open source components and their license types.
What to follow...
The license conditions tell you how the individual components can be used. It is important to note whether you are allowed to link statically or dynamically and how the use is to be documented. For some license types, the necessary tools and source codes must also be made available on request. The "software parts list" also enables you to quickly determine whether one of the components you use is affected when a new security threat is published.
That everything develops according to plan...
The license tools in GELin also generate the complete license text with a list of all components used and licenses for distribution, together with your product. GELin makes it easier for developers of embedded Linux applications to comply with license obligations and reduces the risk for companies of getting into legal difficulties when using open source software. In addition, our experienced consultants and developers will be happy to assist you.