Source-available software

Article summary

Source-available software is software released through a source code distribution model that includes arrangements where the source can be viewed, and in some cases modified, but without necessarily meeting the criteria to be called open-source. The licenses associated with the offerings range from allowing code to be viewed for reference to allowing code to be modified and redistributed for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. Some source-available software licenses, classified as noncompete licenses, are closed-source software licenses that have been created by modifying an open-source software license to include a restriction that prohibits using the licensed software to compete with the developer. These anti-competitive restrictions create a vendor lock-in effect by steering users toward establishing a separate agreement with the developer for commercial use of the software.

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1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
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3. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

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