After developer complaints, Microsoft clarifies new policy on open source monetization

Microsoft recently announced a new policy aimed at supporting open source developers who want to monetize their projects on the company’s platforms. The policy, which was unveiled at the Microsoft Build conference, states that Microsoft will not charge any fees or commissions for open source software running on Azure, Windows or Xbox, as long as developers meet certain criteria.

Criteria include using an approved open source license, providing clear and accurate information about the software and its monetization methods, and following best practices for security, privacy and accessibility. Microsoft also expects developers to respect the intellectual property rights of others and avoid deceptive or fraudulent practices.

The new policy has been welcomed by some open source advocates, who see it as a sign of Microsoft’s commitment to the open source community and its recognition of the value that open source software brings to its platforms. However, some developers have expressed confusion and concern about the policy, especially with respect to its scope, implementation and enforcement.

Some of the questions developers have raised include:

– How will Microsoft determine which open source projects are eligible for the policy?

– How will Microsoft verify that developers are following the criteria and not violating any terms of service or laws?

– How will Microsoft handle any disputes or complaints that may arise from the policy?

– How will Microsoft ensure that policy is consistent and fair across regions and jurisdictions?

– How will Microsoft communicate any policy changes or updates to developers?

In response to these questions, Microsoft has clarified some aspects of the policy on its blog and FAQ page. The company has stated that:

– The policy applies to any open source software running on Azure, Windows or Xbox, regardless of whether it is hosted on GitHub or elsewhere.

– The policy does not apply to any software that requires a paid subscription, license or service to run or access, such as Office 365 or Visual Studio.

– The policy does not affect any existing agreements or contracts Microsoft has with developers or partners, such as Microsoft Partner Network or Azure Marketplace.

– The policy is subject to change at any time and Microsoft reserves the right to revoke or modify it in its sole discretion.

– The policy is governed by the laws of the State of Washington, U.S.A., and any dispute or claim arising thereunder shall be subject to arbitration in Seattle.

Microsoft has also encouraged developers to contact them directly if they have any questions or comments about the policy. The company has said it is open to hearing from the open source community and wants to work together to create a positive and supportive environment for open source development on its platforms.

If you’re an open source developer who wants to make money from your work, you may be interested in Microsoft’s latest announcement. The tech giant has unveiled a new policy that aims to support open source developers who want to monetize their projects on the company’s platforms. The policy, which was unveiled at the Microsoft Build conference, states that Microsoft will not charge any fees or commissions for open source software running on Azure, Windows or Xbox, as long as developers meet certain criteria.

Criteria include:

– The software must have an approved open source license, such as MIT, Apache or GPL licenses.

– Software should be publicly available on a platform that allows for forking and collaboration, such as GitHub or GitLab.

– The software must not contain any malicious code, malware or spyware that could harm users or devices.

– The software must not infringe any intellectual property rights of Microsoft or any third party.

Microsoft says this policy is part of its commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse open source ecosystem and empowering developers to create innovative solutions for its customers. Microsoft also says it will provide technical and marketing support to open source developers who want to take advantage of its platforms and services.

This policy is a welcome move for the open source community, as it removes one of the barriers that often prevent developers from monetizing their work. It also shows that Microsoft is serious about open source adoption and recognizes the value and potential of open source software. By offering a fair and transparent policy, Microsoft hopes to attract more open source developers to its platforms and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation.