Funding sources

Seeking large and long term funding sources will be something OSArch will look into as the organization grows. This page is to grow a list of potential places to seek funding.

Business models

One source of funding is find ways to commercialize individual products or bundles of products.

SAAS

This is a 'software as a service' model in which there the hosting of a software solution is on a subscription basis.

Examples

• https://wisdomplexus.com/blogs/open-source-saas-solutions/
• https://databricks.com/

Open Core

This is a way of splitting functionality into two categories where parts of the solution are available on different terms. For example parts of the software could be released on a 'non-commercial use only' with a payment option for commercial use. MySQL / MariaDB have a license they call Business Source License (BSL)[1] (not a free software license).

Examples

• https://www.confluent.io/confluent-community-license-faq/

External resources

• Doing business with Open Source | Michael Widenius | TEDxVasa with MySQL founder Monty Widenius
• MySQL and MariaDB story with MySQL & MariaDB founder Monty Widenius
• MySQL founder tries a new software licensing model

Support

This is where the software name is protected and when buying software with that name support is included.

Examples

• Redhat Linuz

Global

shuttleworthfoundation

https://www.shuttleworthfoundation.org/

United Kingdom

UK Research and Innovation

Example:

• £170m Transforming construction challenge "The transforming construction challenge is an integral part of the Construction Sector Deal, aiming to accelerate the shift in construction towards manufacturing and digital processes and a value outcome approach."

European Union

The EU funds large projects in the construction sector with a special focus on energy use reduction and increased efficiency. Coordination of efforts at energy use reduction in the construction sector are organized by [BUILD UP] (about)

For an overview of EU activities involving BIM see How is the EU supporting BIM and ICT development in the buildings sector?

Horizon 2020

"... with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020 [extended to 2025]) ... Horizon 2020 [has an] emphasis on excellent science, industrial leadership and tackling societal challenges. The goal is to ensure Europe produces world-class science, removes barriers to innovation and makes it easier for the public and private sectors to work together in delivering innovation. Horizon 2020 is open to everyone, with a simple structure that reduces red tape and time so participants can focus on what is really important. This approach makes sure new projects get off the ground quickly – and achieve results faster."

Examples: