Computer Science Seminar Series

Speaker: Scott Wilson, JISC

Shared themes: Do you think you understand what Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) are? What are the Four Freedoms of software, and why are they so fundamental and controversial? What are all the different licenses for, and why would I want to use one over another? How do companies make money out of giving away software? And why is all of this the fault of a malfunctioning Xerox printer in 1980?

This two-part session aims to answer all of these questions and more!

First session

Date: 11 May 2022, 1.30pm - 2.30pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
ID: 93854295995
Passcode: 192062
Meeting host: dlk2@york.ac.uk

Abstract:
In Part 1, we cover the principles of what Open Source Software and Free Software is and isn't in a way that's easy to understand and apply - whatever the license may be. We then take a deep dive into the different kinds of licenses and why you might choose one over another, and also how to handle inbound contributions to open source. We also look at outbound licensing, and some of the options a licensor has that a licensee doesn't. Finally, we look at some of the different models for governing open source and carrying out due diligence in its intellectual property, and why the 'Freedom To Fork' is an important consideration for licensors.

Second session

Date: 11 May 2022, 1.30pm - 2.30pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
ID: 93854295995
Passcode: 192062
Meeting host: dlk2@york.ac.uk

Abstract:
In Part 2, we quickly recap the principles of Free and Open Source Software before looking at a wide range of business models that can be used, leveraging IP in creative ways, delivering services, and utilising expertise and reputation instead of charging software licensing fees, with lots of examples to consider when planning your own commercial FOSS ventures.

About the speaker

Scott Wilson accidentally ended up as a software engineer despite studying psychology with the intention of being a criminologist. He has worked in commercial software development and been involved in open source communities, for many years, as well as managing the OSS Watch advisory service at the University of Oxford, which provided independent, non-advocacy information about open source software. Being familiar with both the software industry and academia, Scott provides advice to both companies and universities when it comes to open source.