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GeoServer is licensed under the GPLv2. I know that this means I cannot make derivative commercial works from this application. For instance, I cannot add new interfaces, plugins, etc to GeoServer as a closed source application.
However, can I use it as a backend server to frontend closed source application? An oGC compliant map server it exposes certain OGC compliant interfaces for consuming maps and data. There are several other GIS servers that are able to do this such as MapServer (free) and ArcGIS Server (commercial).
So, let's say I create a closed source Flex GIS framework for consuming data through OGC compliant web services. If I sold this application, and included GeoServer (unmodified) as part of the install (with the appropriate licenses included) would I be in violation of the GPL?
How can I use GeoServer in a commercial closed source application, if at all?
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GeoServer is an open source server for sharing geospatial data. It is designed for interoperability and excels at publishing any major spatial data source using open standards. With suitable preparation of data it excels at handling very large datasets, both raster and vector.
Like a web server, requests are sent to the server which are interpreted and responded. But the requests and responses are designed specifically toward the transfer of geographic information. Que. Data sources read by geoserver?
GeoServer is the reference implementation of the OGC Web Feature Service (WFS) and Web Coverage Service (WCS) standards, and contains as well a high performance certified compliant Web Map Service (WMS). It is through these protocols that GeoServer can serve data and maps in an efficient and powerful way.
GeoServer uses the Spring Framework, providing a request dispatch architecture for modules implementing OGC services. The web administration application uses wicket, allowing extensions to contribute additional configuration screens.
I think I found the answer here.
http://geoserver.org/display/GEOSDOC/Do+I+need+a+proprietary+license+FAQ
I'm an integrator who is accessing GeoServer's WFS and WMS with a proprietary system, do I need to buy a license?
No, the GPL only comes in to effect when you link code. If you are working behind standard interfaces there is no requirement to buy a proprietary license.
I'm an integrator who is using GeoServer with a proprietary database, do I need to buy a license?
No, the GPL does not cover the database that you're integrating with. Indeed if it did then we would not be able to have GeoServer support ArcSDE, Oracle, and DB2.
I used the core modules of GeoServer to build a new Geo-chicken services, but did not utilize any W*S services, do I have to release my code?
Currently you do have to release your code, or obtain a proprietary license. But the community is considering plans to release the core modules under an LGPL license. If you are interested in such a licensing agreement, please get in touch, as we are very interested in allowing people to build new services on top of the core.
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