About Linux4Business

Our premise is based on the fact that although there are a huge number of Linux and Open Source resources on the Internet, there are no extensive collections of enterprise grade applications that can help businesses and public sector organisations understand if there are viable alternatives to the traditional vendors.

There are many Open Source catalogues which list a vast amount of Community projects but there is generally no distinction between an immature but promising project and a business ready solution which comes with structured support and planned releases.

We are running a business using only Open Source, Open Core and Linux based solutions so we experience first hand what it means.

Over the years it has been hard to find the right solutions but we can say that finally we are free from the usual vendors... and it feels good! Therefore, we decided that it was about time to start sharing the solutions we use and recommend what we see as being useful to businesses in general.

Linux4Business (Linux for business) it's a site made and maintained by Omnis Systems Ltd, based in Brighton (UK) and Italy, the only Value Added Distributor specialised in Open Source and Linux based solutions.

Closed Source, Open Core and Open Source?
Many of you are used to just buy from traditional vendors a spftware you need and use it but very few read through the EULA (End User License Agreement) that is a binding contract that you accept when you install and use that software.

Without going in to full details and explanations here's what you get when you choose:

Close Source
Generally you have the right to use the software but you don't actually own it and you cannot make any modification to it or redistribute it to others.
This is the most restrictive type of license and software you can get.
Refer to the EULA that comes with your software to see what rights you may have.

Open Core
Generally you pay a maintenance/support fee and get all/most of the source code so that you can fully adapt the application to fit your business needs.
This license is used mainly by companies that develop business software and that are required to develop features that are Enterprise ready and that provide business level support. For a business it's generally a good compromise as generally the main restriction found in this type of software is that it cannot be "re-badged" and redistributed for free or for profit to others.
Having Open Source software everywhere is our aspiration but when the solution you need is not available as Open Source then we think Open Core could be a very good compromise.

Open Source
Open Source surely provides the highest level of freedom in software licensing as you can do with it mostly what you like.
Open Source software does not have any license cost but some developers may ask for maintenance fee to provide support and updates or may charge for Enterprise features under a more or less permissive Open Core license.
You can choose to be supported by the Community that develops the application or by a local commercial entities that can give you the Enterprise level of serice you require.
Discover more about the benefits and rights your have when using Open Source on the Open Source Initiative web site.