Seven tips to help FOSS companies succeed (NewsForge)
NewsForge has
some tips on how to make money with open source software. "
The business community wants to know that a company is a reliable partner, a message that can be easily lost in the static of lingering suspicions about FOSS. By contrast, the FOSS communities want reassurance that the company does not simply exist to exploit their volunteer labor. They'll also ask questions about when the company is going to make contributions to the community -- usually code, but possibly also cash and marketing or the sponsorship of a conference. They want proof that the company is a credible member of the community."