Hi,
Were looking at having our website redeveloped and someone mentioned there may be an issue using Open Source software with the GPL licence with Tessitura. Because the GPL requires you to open source any code generated, this could potentially conflict with Tessitura NDA as it would expose the API calls etc.
Has anyone raised this issue with Tessitura, or does Tessitura have a position on this?
Thanks
Hi Simon and Eric-
Good question. Eric, thanks for weighing in...I know you have lots of experience with this topic!
From the Tessitura Network perspective, we never want to stand in the way of you picking whichever CMS or software development tools you prefer but we do have to protect Tessitura Network intellectual property. I think the crux of the issue is this. Sharing is absolutely ok (encouraged!) within the Tessitura Member community. That means any organization covered under our license agreement/NDA terms. But releasing code containing Tessitura-specific references into the public domain is not ok. That includes any contractors you work with as well. So what about the GPL?
This is actually in keeping with the language from gnu.org guidance that says "The GPL does not require you to release your modified version, or any part of it. You are free to make modifications and use them privately, without ever releasing them. This applies to organizations (including companies), too; an organization can make a modified version and use it internally without ever releasing it outside the organization."
This approach overall allows you to use the technology that you'd like and hope this will be satisfactory for all. The ideal place to share code is on this website and if you'd like a dedicated place set up to do that, let me know.
Hope this helps clarify the Network's position on open sourcing software-- any questions at all, please contact me.
Kristin
And we do have a place on this site for sharing code and such; the Web Developers group was created for this very reason!