Dual licensing model
By default, MicroTBX-Modbus is licensed under version 3 of the GNU GPL (GPLv3). Thanks to the GPLv3, MicroTBX-Modbus can be released with full source code and is perfect for these use cases:
- Evaluation, education, prototyping, hobbying and inclusion in other open source projects.
The GPLv3 licensed version of MicroTBX-Modbus is not suitable for these use cases:
- Inclusion in closed source proprietary firmware.
To circumvent the restrictions and responsibilities that come with the GPLv3, your company can purchase a commercially licensed version of MicroTBX-Modbus. With your commercially licensed version of MicroTBX-Modbus, you can include and make use of this software in your closed source proprietary firmware.
License comparison
Refer to the following license comparison matrix to decide on the suitable MicroTBX-Modbus license for your product:
| Question | GNU GPL version 3 | Commercial license |
|---|---|---|
| Is MicroTBX-Modbus free? | yes | no |
| Do I have the right to change the MicroTBX-Modbus source code? |
yes | yes |
| Can I use MicroTBX-Modbus in my closed source product? |
no | yes |
| Do I have to open my source code? | yes | no |
| Do I have to open source my changes to MicroTBX-Modbus? |
yes | no |
| Do I have to offer the MicroTBX-Modbus source code to users of my product? |
yes | no |
| Do I have to document that my product uses MicroTBX-Modbus? |
yes | no |
| Can I redistribute MicroTBX-Modbus in source code format? |
yes | no |
| Can I receive professional technical support on a commercial basis? |
no | yes |
Why a dual licensing model?
The development and maintenance, needed to make available a stable, high quality and open source embedded software component, takes significant engineering time and effort. From experience with the OpenBLT bootloader, Feaser learned that relying solely on donations is unfortunately not a viable and sustainable option. The dual licensing model offers the best of both worlds, making it a win-win scenario for all its users:
- It makes it possible for MicroTBX-Modbus to be available to everyone as open source.
- The income generated from the commercial license sales enables Feaser to sponsor the long-term development and maintenance of MicroTBX-Modbus.
How to purchase the commercial license?
To purchase the commercial license, contact Feaser to request a quote. Based on the quote, you can generate and e-mail us your purchase order. You can expect to receive an order confirmation within one business days. Afterwards, Feaser starts working on putting together your commercially licensed MicroTBX-Modbus software package, which will be delivered to you electronically.
Licensing frequently asked questions
What happens if I do include the GPLv3 version of MicroTBX-Modbus in my own software?
As long as you do not distribute your software to someone else, nothing really happens. However, the moment you either give or sell your software or a product containing your software, you are required to open source the source code of your entire software. The GPLv3 is infectious; any code that uses GPLv3 software, automatically becomes GPLv3 as well.
Are there any differences between the GPLv3 and commercially licensed versions of MicroTBX-Modbus?
The only changes are the license text in the license file and the license information in the source files. The actual API and functionality of MicroTBX-Modbus is exactly the same.
What are the restrictions of the MicroTBX-Modbus commercial license?
The only real restriction of the commercial license is that you cannot redistribute your commercially licensed version of MicroTBX-Modbus to third parties in source code format (including your customers and users). Binary format (object-code or executable) is of course allowed. Feel free to contact Feaser to request a sample of the commercial license for you to review.
Do I need to pay additional royalties?
The commercial license is a one-time fee. Once you purchased it, your company can include MicroTBX-Modbus in all its products, without having to pay per-unit royalties.
How can I obtain pricing information for the commercial license for MicroTBX-Modbus?
E-mail Feaser a quote request and we'll send you a quote, which includes pricing information.
What do I receive after purchasing the MicroTBX-Modbus commercial license?
After reception of your purchase order, you'll receive an order confirmation typically within one business day. Afterwards we'll prepare your commercially licensed version of MicroTBX-Modbus and deliver it to you electronically. Estimated delivery time is within a few days.
How can I pay for the MicroTBX-Modbus commercial license?
Invoicing takes place after delivery of your commercially licensed version of MicroTBX-Modbus. Payment can be made via direct bank transfer or online by credit card. Detailed payment information is included on the invoice.