An OpenSource business for OpenSource funding

In numerous posts, blogs, articles and forum threads on the web, we hear about the need for OpenSource projects to get money to them in a consistent and constant manner.

We also hear about the need to provide a single source provider of responsibility and financial 'backing" of OpenSource software projects.

This is a two sided approach to answer two issues with one business. It could be two separate businesses, but one could do it easily enough.

This company could call itself anything it wants, but for the sake of discussion, let's call it "OpenSupport Services", or "OS" for short.

I am willing to bet, most people have heard of businesses that get money from one person to another. businesses like Western Union, even PayPal does this in it's own way.

You want to send money to person or company B. The transfer company takes a small percentage for the transaction and adds it to the total or subtracts the expense from the total.

OS will be able to do this. On it's very handy website, people can use a variety of methods to make a payment and select from a list of pre-arranged OpenSource Projects that accept donations.

Why, you can even create a "MyProjects" group of regular recipients that the payment is divided evenly among for ease of future donations.

OS then sends the accepted payment from the members/subscribers for a small percentage to either be added to the total, or subtracted from the total. Can't stay in business if you don't make money.

The list OS offers individuals wishing to make payments is based on OpenSource Projects who register with OS and provide a person who is accountable for receiving said payments and reporting to OS that the project is still in good standing and is active to receive payments.

What the project does with the money is up to them. All OS is doing is handling the collection and distributing of the money from a central source.

Phase two of OS's offerings is in centralized financial backing of OpenSource Projects. For example. By creatively working with an insuring and bonding agent, OS is able to provide A financial 'support' layer for projects that meet acceptable standards for productivity. Then, when Joe user decides to download say, Linux distro A, they can register their "product" with OS and purchase a sort of OpenSOurce warranty.

As long as Linux Distro A is registered and in good standing with OS standards, if Joe User were to have some horrible mishap where there computer is damaged in some way by the OpenSource software in question, they are eligible to receive compensation for the computer/data loss that resulted.


Think of how great it would be to know you can install and use great OpenSource Linux distros like CentOS or Debian that have no corporate backing so to speak and still get the same option of a warranty and support as you would from 'another' vendor or software provider.

This can give OpenSource users peace of mind that if hardware or data loss problems arise due to use of OpenSource software, just like with a proprietary provider, they can get a 'warranty' to protect their assets.

It isn't uncommon at all for consumers to purchase third party warranties. They do it all the time when they buy consumer electronics or appliances or even tools and hardware.

If this company called OS can be creative and market these services well, it can not only make a tidy profit, but assist OpenSource projects to grow and mature as funding allows more time and resources to be spent on the projects.

Also, the peace of mind that consumers and users will get from knowing they won't be left treading water from faulty software, will make OpenSource software adoption an easier choice for them to make, especially in the small business and home usage markets.

OpenSource doesn't have to be just for philanthropists and volunteers, it can have a viable and profitable base and still make information available for everyone.