I've been asked an interesting (though apologies if this is a heated or
irelevant topic) question: what's the legality of using mod_perl (and
indeed Apache), and the available modules, in a non-GPL commercial
application for which there is a charge? I can't think of any modules off
hand that are GPLd (most of the ones I've come across tend to say "this is
freeware, you're free to use it as you wish so long as you preserve my
copyright message", etc.).
As far as I can see, therefore, it is fine to use Apache and most of the
perl modules (if they're not GPLd), as supporting tools, in a commercial
project without paying for, or infringing, any authors's rights. So long,
I guess, as you make it clear that there is no charge for Apache or any of
the associated perl modules that you use in that project, and produce a
list of all the individual authors' copyright notices.
Sorry -- don't want to turn this into a long thread about commercialism
versus "freedom" -- just wondering if there is a clear stance on the
issue.
Cheers
Kirk.
