FOSS

FOSS stands for Free and Open Source Software. This term shall reconcile Free Software and Open Source.

These two terms differ essentially in the underlying motivation. Free Software emphasizes the freedoms the users of the software have. Open Source focuses on the available source code and the economic advantages of a jointly software development.

With the license terms the both camps virtually do not differ. Accordingly, practically all Free Software licenses are also Open Source licenses and vice versa.

Weblinks

• Free Software Definition of the Free Software Foundation
• Explanation of Free Software of the Free Software Foundation Europe
• Open Source Definition of the Open Source Initiative