Software License
Commencing with version 7.0, OSE is being released under the terms and conditions of the Q Public License (QPL) version 1.0. The QPL was produced by Troll Tech for use with the Qt C++ class library and qualifies as being an Open Source license under the Open Source model.
Of the conditions in the QPL, that which is most important to understand is clause 6.
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6. You may develop application programs, reusable components and other software items that link with the original or modified versions of the Software. These items, when distributed, are subject to the following requirements:
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a. You must ensure that all recipients of machine-executable forms of these items are also able to receive and use the complete machine-readable source code to the items without any charge beyond the costs of data transfer.
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b. You must explicitly license all recipients of your items to use and re-distribute original and modified versions of the items in both machine-executable and source code forms. The recipients must be able to do so without any charges whatsoever, and they must be able to re-distribute to anyone they choose.
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c. If the items are not available to the general public, and the initial developer of the Software requests a copy of the items, then you must supply one.
So long as you abide by the terms and conditions of the QPL you can use OSE without charge.
If you are a commercial organisation, this means that you can still develop and sell an application which links with OSE, however, you must supply the source code to your application to the customer who buys it from you for no additional charge beyond the cost of media or other means of data transfer used to deliver it to the customer. Further, you cannot prevent that customer from turning around and modifying or redistributing your application, including its source code, to someone else.
Because of the above conditions, the use of an Open Source license might well be unacceptable, as you are unlikely to agree to giving away the source code to the products you sell. If you want to use OSE in a closed source application, you will need to contact Dumpleton Software Consulting and purchase a commercial use license. This alternative license will permit you to use OSE in an application without forcing you to also make available the source code for your application.
Note that there is more to the above conditions and the QPL than covered by the summary above. You should ensure that you properly read the QPL and understand how it applies to your situation before using OSE.
