What is ANSHealth software licensing model?

ANSHealth uses a "dual licensing" business model. Under this model, users may choose to use ePostRx products under the free software/open source GNU General Public License (commonly known as the "GPL") or under a commercial license.

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

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

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

Why does ANSHealth offer two licenses?

ANSHealth's dual license model supports the company's mission: to make superior pharmacy software available and affordable to all.

The dual licensing creates a circle that sustains both innovation and growth: ePostRx channels the revenue from this viable open source business model back into support for its open source user community that, in turn, supports ePostRx 's commercial business.

The dual licensing business model is a "win-win" for all parties:

• ePostRx's open source community gets superior software for no cost;
• ePostRx's commercial customers have the option of using reliable, community "battle tested" ePostRx software for a relatively low cost;
• ePostRx's business is healthy and viable, which also strengthens the open source movement.

Do I get the same ePostRx software under either license?

Yes. The ePostRx product is essentially identical under either the GPL license or the commercial license. In some cases there are minor differences in the support libraries due to incompatibilities between the licenses of the libraries and ePostRx.

How do I know which license to use?

If you use ePostRx with GPL-licensed software (or a license that is GPL-compatible) we encourage you to use the GPL license. For all other users of ePostRx, we recommend that you purchase a ePostRx commercial license

For more complete guidelines on the GPL and commercial license from ePostRx, please read our licensing overview or contact ANSHealth.

What does "redistribute" mean?

The term "redistribution" in the ePostRx public license means your application is distributed to one or more third parties. Giving an application to customers, even in alpha or beta releases, is redistribution. Giving contractors, affiliates, parent organizations or subsidiaries, business partners or support vendors a copy of the application is generally redistribution.

The following are not redistribution:

• Building an application for use internal to your organization, deployed and managed on your company servers.
• Off-site backups or other software archival procedures.

For more complete guidelines on the GPL and commercial license from ePostRx, please read our licensing overview or contact ANSHealth.

Does it matter if I charge money for my software?

Whether or not you charge money for your application does not matter. The only test is if you redistribute it.

What must I release as open source?

Under the open source license, you must release the complete source code for the application that uses ePostRx. You do not need to release the source code for components that are generally installed on the operating system on which your application runs, such as system header files or libraries.

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, MandrakeSoft, Sleepycat Software, Trolltech, and others.

How much does a commercial ePostRx license cost?

As a result of its open source community and licensing model, ePostRx  is able to produce and offer its software at a much lower cost than what is typical in the industry. Current pricing for the ePostRx licensing is available here.

What is ANSHealth's position on Software Patents?

ANSHealth has consistently taken the position that software patents generally impede innovation in software development and that software patents are inconsistent with open source/free software. At the same time, we are forced to live in the world as it is, and that world currently permits software patents. A relatively small number of very large companies have amassed large numbers of software patents. One defense against such misuse is to develop a corresponding portfolio of software patents for defensive purposes. Many software companies, both open source and proprietary, pursue this strategy. In the interests of our company and in an attempt to protect and promote the open source community, ANSHealth has elected to adopt this same stance. We do so reluctantly because of the perceived inconsistency with our stance against software patents; however, prudence dictates this position.

How do I send ANSHealth comments on licensing or other issues?>

The open source community is very important to ePostRx and we want to hear all feedback! We have previously asked the community for specific feedback on licensing and will continue to do so to create an ongoing dialogue. Feel free to send us your feedback.