Embracing Source Availability at GodSpeed: Empowering Developers with Flexible Approach
At Godspeed Systems, we believe that the future of backend development lies in transparency, collaboration, and flexibility. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by developers in building complex applications, we have embarked on a mission to revolutionize the industry through our source available approach.
FOSS refers to software that is freely available to use, modify, and distribute. It is governed by organizations like the Free Software Foundation (FSF) and the Open Source Initiative (OSI), which define criteria for identifying FOSS licenses. The absence of restrictions on usage is one of the defining characteristics of FOSS. However, this lack of limitations can lead to ethical concerns, as the software can be used for malicious purposes or actions that harm humanity or nature.
While FOSS has flourished, it faces certain challenges. One issue is the limited contribution from the broader tech community. Despite being called a community, only a small percentage of developers actively contribute back to FOSS projects. This discrepancy raises questions about sustainability and fairness, as millions of businesses benefit from FOSS without actively giving back to its development.
Moreover, when FOSS projects fail to sustain themselves, developers may lose interest or face financial difficulties, resulting in burnout. The ecosystem suffers as well, with users unable to receive updates or request customizations. This situation leads to a loss of motivation for developers and a disruption of the entire ecosystem.
The Solution: The Source Available Approach at Godspeed
At Godspeed, we believe in addressing these challenges by adopting a different approach called Source Available. This approach provides a solution that promotes fairness, sustainability, and mutual benefit for both developers and users.
The Source Available approach at Godspeed revolves around three key principles: a shared Source version, ethical licensing, and a collaborative ecosystem. Let’s delve deeper into each of these principles and explore how they contribute to a more balanced and harmonious software landscape.
1. Shared Source Version: One Version for All
Unlike the traditional open core model, where there are separate versions of software, Godspeed embraces a unified approach. We provide one shared Source version of our software, which is accessible to all users, whether they are startups or large enterprises. This eliminates the conflict between a free version and a paid version, ensuring that everyone has access to the best version of the software from the start.
Moreover, Godspeed recognizes the importance of supporting early-stage startups and non-profit organizations. To facilitate their growth and development, we offer our software for free during their initial stages, helping them build a solid foundation. As these startups thrive and succeed, they can contribute back to the ecosystem, fostering a cycle of growth and support.
2. Ethical Licensing: Aligning Purpose and Usage
Ethical licensing is an essential aspect of the Source Available approach at Godspeed. We understand that software can be used for both positive and negative purposes, and we want to ensure that our software is aligned with ethical considerations. By imposing certain restrictions on usage, we aim to prevent the misuse of technology for harmful or malicious intents.
At Godspeed, our ethical licensing prohibits the use of our software for violence against humans or animals. By setting these boundaries, we are actively working towards a better world, where technology is leveraged responsibly and ethically. This ensures that our software is aligned with our values and contributes positively to society.
3. Collaborative Ecosystem: Collaboration Over Competition
Godspeed believes in fostering a collaborative ecosystem rather than promoting competition or consumption. We understand the significance of collaboration in driving innovation and growth. Rather than consuming or competing with other software providers, we prefer to collaborate and work together to create a more cohesive and supportive community.
Transparency and fairness are core principles in our collaborative ecosystem. We actively share our earnings with the creators of the software we use throughout our technology stack. This includes not only the developers who directly contribute to our repositories but also the creators of open-source software and plugins that are instrumental in our ecosystem. We believe in equitable distribution based on the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that all contributors are fairly compensated.
Additionally, Godspeed extends support to early-stage startups by providing free credits, alleviating their financial burdens and allowing them to focus on growth. By partnering with these startups, we aim to foster their development and help them succeed. In turn, as these startups progress and become established companies, they contribute back to the ecosystem, creating a cycle of support and growth.
The Source Available approach at Godspeed offers a solution to the challenges posed by the traditional open core model. Through a shared Source version, ethical licensing, and a collaborative ecosystem, we aim to create a software landscape that is fair, sustainable, and beneficial to both developers and users. By promoting transparency, fairness, and responsible technology usage, we can work together to make the world a better place.