The race to replace Redis (lwn.net)

Article summary

Redis, a popular in-memory data store, has announced that it will be released under non-free, source-available licenses starting with version 7.4. This move has sparked a debate about the future of open source software and the role of venture funding. Several alternatives to Redis, including KeyDB and Valkey, have emerged as potential replacements. The change in licensing has significant implications for Linux distributions and users who rely on Redis.

Main themes

• Open source software licensing
• Venture funding and business models
• Community-driven development
• Cloud computing and service providers
• Alternative databases and forks

What commenters say

• The pressure to generate revenue and growth from venture funding can lead to conflicts with the open source community and its values.
• A business model that relies on selling support and services for open source software may not be sustainable in the long term.
• Some argue that open source software should be developed and maintained by enthusiasts and users, rather than being driven by corporate interests and venture funding.
• Others believe that venture funding is necessary to drive innovation and growth in the software industry, and that it can coexist with open source principles.
• The concept of 'fair and reasonable' licensing terms is subjective and can be open to interpretation, leading to potential conflicts and disputes.
• Alternative licensing models, such as the Big Time License, have been proposed as a way to balance the needs of developers, users, and investors.
• The use of open source software in cloud computing and service providers raises questions about the distribution of revenue and the role of contributors.
• Some argue that the focus on profit and revenue can lead to a lack of investment in critical open source infrastructure and maintenance.