Open source software has now reached mainstream popularity. How do I know? I heard it discussed on ABC radio one afternoon recently.

Whilst the public are interested in its low cost (ie free), businesses must be aware of the terms on which the software is licensed: if you modify the source code, you must make it available for public use.

SEVEN STEPS TO ADDRESSING OPEN SOURCE ISSUES IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT (PDF) by Stephen A. Mutkoski of Microsoft Corporation discusses the risks that can arise when software developers download and incorporate open source software into company products. Who owns that software?

Dennis Kennedy has collected a range of resources at his Open Source Licence Law Resource Center which focusses on the legal implications and risks.

How can it be economically viable for developers to work on software for free? Read Bruce Perens interesting analysis.

If you buy software based on open source software do you need an indemnity from the vendor?