What is SENTENSA's software licensing model?

SENTENSA uses a "dual licensing" business model. Under this model, users can choose to use SENTENSA products under the free software/open source licenses GNU General Public License (GPL) and Lesser GNU General Public License (LGPL). The other alternative is to use SENTENSA under a commercial license.

With the GPL/LGPL license, SENTENSA is available free of charge. Users may download the software for free and modify, integrate and distribute it. However, GPL/LGPL users must abide by the rules of the GPL/LGPL, which stipulate that if a SENTENSA-based application is redistributed, the complete source code for this application must also be open and available for redistribution.

SENTENSA offers a commercial license for organisations that use SENTENSA but that do not want to release the source code for their application. Commercial License customers get a product with a level of assurance from SENTENSA, without the requirement that their SENTENSA-based software must be "open sourced". SENTENSA is able to provide a commercial license because it has full ownership of the SENTENSA code.

SENTENSA's dual licensing increases freedom in two ways: first, it encourages the growth of free software by licensing SENTENSA under the GPL/LGPL; second, it makes it possible to use our software in situations where the GPL/LGPL is not applicable.

How do I know which license to use?

If you use SENTENSA with GPL/LGPL-licensed software (or a license that is GPL/LGPL-compatible) we encourage you to use the GPL/LGPL license. In the event that you intend to use the SENTENSA product with proprietary solutions, or if you are unsure whether the intended use is in line with the GPL/LGPL Licensens, we would recommend you to execute a commercial license.

For more complete guidelines on the GPL/LGPL and Commercial License from SENTENSA, please read our licensing overview.

Do I get the same SENTENSA software under either license?

Yes.

How much does a commercial SENTENSA license cost?

Contact SENTENSA for more information.

With a commercial license option, is SENTENSA still open source?

Yes. We believe that the open source model of development and distribution is the most efficient way to produce high-quality software. All SENTENSA software is offered under both open source and commercial license terms.

Are other companies using the dual licensing business model?

Yes, the dual licensing business model is becoming increasingly popular among open source companies as it paves the way for long-term financial viability. Other companies that offer dual licensing include MySQL, Digium, OSAF, MandrakeSoft, Sleepycat Software, Technical Pursuit, Trolltech, and others.

How do I send SENTENSA comments on licensing or other issues?

Send us an e-mail at Contact Us.