Terraform Adopts Business Source License

Terraform, a widely used open-source infrastructure as code tool developed by HashiCorp, has recently undergone a significant change in its licensing model. The project, known for its flexibility and efficiency in managing infrastructure, has transitioned from an open-source license to the Business Source License .

Understanding the Business Source License

The Business Source License is a relatively new licensing model that aims to balance the benefits of open source with the need for sustainable business models. It was introduced by MariaDB Corporation and is designed to encourage contributions to open source projects while allowing the creators to protect against large cloud providers monetizing their work without contributing back.

Under the BSL, the source code is open and accessible, and the software is free to use. However, there is a caveat: if the software is used as part of a commercial service, any modifications made to the software must be contributed back to the community. This provision is time-based, with a restriction period during which the changes are not required to be shared. Once the restriction period expires, the software becomes fully open source.

Implications for the Terraform Community

The move to the BSL by Terraform has sparked discussions within the community regarding the implications and potential benefits.

Terraform’s transition to the BSL ensures that the source code remains open and accessible to the community. Users can still view, modify, and distribute the code freely.

One of the central tenets of the BSL is that modifications made to the software must be contributed back to the community if the software is used as part of a commercial service. This is aimed at preventing large cloud providers from taking advantage of open-source projects without giving back.

The adoption of the BSL reflects HashiCorp’s effort to strike a balance between fostering an open-source community and ensuring the sustainability of the Terraform project. It allows the company to generate revenue from commercial services using Terraform without compromising the core principles of open source.

Terraform’s Commitment to the Community

HashiCorp has emphasized its commitment to the Terraform community and the continued development of the tool. The move to the BSL is seen as a strategic decision to address the challenges associated with the evolving landscape of cloud infrastructure and the increasing dominance of major cloud providers.

Conclusion

The adoption of the Business Source License by Terraform marks a significant shift in its licensing model. While some members of the community may have reservations about the new restrictions on commercial use, others see it as a necessary step to ensure the sustainability of the project. As Terraform continues to play a crucial role in managing infrastructure at scale, the community will be closely watching how this change impacts the tool’s development and adoption.