Open Source Solutions for Small Business Problems
Hi! You've found a page that was previously published on OpenSourceSmall.biz, a web site associated with the book John wrote called Open Source Solutions for Small Business Problems. This book is available for purchase at Amazon (affiliate link), but we've rolled all the web site content into John's business site.
Don't hesitate to drop us a line if you need anything!
When GPL software goes bad
Submitted by John Locke on Sat, 04/14/2007 - 02:18
Anyone still using SQL Ledger should be aware that new versions are no longer released under the GPL. When I wrote the book, and for several years afterward, SQL Ledger was the only game in town, and it's been the only viable open source financial web application for quite some time. It's been open source in name but never in spirit--the owner only helps people who have paid for the software, and discourages help from others that compete with his ~$300 manual. It's quite the interesting drama.
Fortunately, last fall a group of developers forked the SQL Ledger codebase, starting LedgerSMB. LedgerSMB has the open source spirit of cooperation, open exchange of information, and a sense of excitement that's been lacking in SQL Ledger. We've hopped on board LedgerSMB, and have switched our clients.
With the license change, we now see LedgerSMB as the only game in town--SQL Ledger just removed themselves from the competition. If you're still using SQL Ledger, I encourage you to take a look at Ledger SMB. Read more about it here:
When GPL software goes bad | Realm of the Purple Dropbear.
Disclosure: We are contributing to LedgerSMB directly. We also paid for multiple years of SQL Ledger.
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