FAQ - Manufacturer: What happens if/when an open source project ceases to exist?

[boogiespook]

If I have a dependency on an open source project which has reached a natural EOL (lack of interest, developers, investment, use cases, etc) do I have to take on maintenance & support if I use this project in my commercial offering?

[boogiespook]

Could collaboration by manufacturers help with this issue? Perhaps stewards could 'step in'?

[oej]

I think there are several choices:

• Replace the component
• Take over the project ("fork")
• Try to figure out if funding would help getting the project back on track

There will also be companies offering services to maintain these kind of components.

The final word here is that you as a manufacturer is responsible for the product, including the code. It's going to cost money.