The Dark Side of MongoDB’s New License

MongoDB's transition from the AGPL to the SSPL license reflects the challenges open-source software vendors face in protecting their business models amid the rise of cloud services and software as a service (SaaS). The SSPL license aims to prevent companies from offering MongoDB as a cloud service without contributing back to the community, broadening copyleft requirements to include all associated service software. While the intention is to curb unfair commercial use, critics argue that SSPL's demands could be overly burdensome and impractical, potentially stifling collaboration and innovation. The article suggests that instead of creating a new license, MongoDB might have been better served by adopting the Commons Clause or sticking with AGPL, as SSPL's broad reach may inadvertently generate more complications than solutions. Despite these licensing shifts, the open-source movement remains robust, with evolving business models to sustain its growth, but MongoDB's approach raises questions about the balance between open-source ideals and commercial interests.