[Mono-list] MonoDroid/MonoTouch for FLOSS/hobby development?

[Daniel Hughes]

I wonder if Microsoft announcing that c# for windows phone 7
development will be free with have any impact.

Previously Windows Mobile development required visual studio pro which
was quite pricey.

Problems with GPL code in the app store and the closed nature of the
iphone ecosystem meant a paid MonoTouch model makes sense.

For the open android system, with no GPL restrictions built on the
open source linux kernel and ecosystem a paid model does not make as
much sense.

It does make sense for companies trying to leverage existing code
bases, Compared to the cost of rewriting these in java the MonoDroid
license is cheap.

For people not trying to make money, for people just experimenting in
their own time, or people trying to produce free and open source
software in order to solve a problem or give back to the community
then a paid MonoDroid is not really an option.

It seems to me that these are two quite different users with different
needs. A free license for use in non commercial applications or
projects or a separate product for FOSS development would be nice.

But as far as I can tell a pricing structure has not yet been
officially announced, So I guess we just have to sit back and wait to
see what happens.

Cheers,
Daniel Hughes

On Tue, Oct 5, 2010 at 8:55 AM, Chris Patti <cpatti at gmail.com> wrote:
> On Sun, Oct 3, 2010 at 4:27 PM, Daniel Hughes <trampster at gmail.com> wrote:
>> I to was hoping to create a few open source apps however the $399
>> would create a large barrier to contributions.
>>
>> Are there any plans for an alternative licence or product for open
>> source and hobbyist development.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Daniel Hughes
>>
>
>
> Can't speak for them, but thus far I have heard zero from the
> MonoTouch crowd about hobby licensing.
>
> Honestly, they have a very hot product in a very VERY hot space
> (mobile app development) so I can't really blame them, much as I too
> would love to get my hands on the bits :)
>
> -Chris
>
> --
> Christopher Patti - Geek At Large | GTalk: cpatti at gmail.com | AIM:
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> "Technology challenges art, art inspires technology." - John Lasseter, Pixar
>