Licensing Change / Transfer of Ownership

[Tronald]

Transfer of Ownership

CoordinateSharp will be transferred to Signature Group, LLC with the release of v2.1.1.1. This transfer will give the library a better opportunity for growth and reliability. The licensing requirements for this library are going to change as well, and it's important that all users understand how this will effect them.

License Conversion from MIT to AGPL

First and foremost, this library was built for the good of the developer and scientific community. That philosophy will always remain as long as I have a say. With that said, we feel that such a philosophy would be better served under an AGPL License. The current MIT license gives people the opportunity to use the library how they see fit, without returning contribution to the community. Under an AGPL license, users will have better opportunity to give back to the community. This requirement, though often frustrating, is crucial to software freedom.

It is understood that users of this library may not be able to license their software under an AGPL compatible license. If such a case exists, commercial licensing will also be made available with the release of v2.1.1.1. The commercial license is going to be incredibly cost effective and flexible. Again the goal of this change isn't to seek profit, but to encourage software freedom. Commercial proceeds will be used to grow the library.

Companies and users already implementing this library, whose software is not AGPL compatible, will have 90 days to obtain a free commercial license upon the release of v2.1.1.1. Upon expiration of those 90 days, a company or persons will have to either transfer their software licensing to an AGPL compatible license, or purchase a commercial license. They will also have the option to continue using 1.#.#.#.# versions of the library.

All US DoD and DHS entities May Receive Free Commercial Licenses at any Time

We understand the importance of this library's use in mission planning applications. As a veteran it is my promise that this library will remain free for any entity sworn to protect the United States of America.

Changes to CoordinateSharp

v2.1.1.1 is undergoing some overhauls to provide better code, better documentation and better testing. It is highly recommended to make the conversion to v2.1.1.1 if able as it will provide better stability. You may monitor its progress by viewing the v2.1.1.1 branch

Receive Notifications or Receive an Existing User Commercial License

If you wish to receive notifications regarding timelines, license changes and v2.1.1.1 ownership transfer, please email Justin@signatgroup.com with the subject "Notify Me" to receive updates.

If you require existing user commercial licensing designation, please email sales@signatgroup.com with the subject "Existing User Commercial License", an explanation of your current usage and business name if applicable.

Lastly, please voice any comments or concerns that may not have been addressed below, or via email.

God Bless!

-Justin

[Tronald]

v2.1.1.1 was published on August 28, 2019. Individuals or Organizations that have already implemented CoordinateSharp under the previous MIT license will have until November 26, 2019 to receive their free Commercial Use License if needed.

v.1.1.5.2 will be unlisted on this date as well.

[Tronald]

The license has been update to include provisions for free commercial issuance for the following.

-Open source contributors to this library
-Scholarly or scientific uses on a case by case basis.
-Emergency response / management uses on a case by case basis.

[Tronald]

License change complete.