[Ask About Server License]

[riandyrn]

Hello, Gene

I have question regarding server license. If we run Tinode on our own servers to serve our public users, does this count as act of "distribution"?

So we would like to integrate Tinode with our own existing system. To do so we need to modify Tinode in the way that it would expose our internal architecture.

As far as I know in GPL we need also to make our modified source code public whenever the distribution of the software is made. Yet in our case it is impossible to do so after the modification is done.

So we would like to confirm first what is the meaning of "distribution" here for Tinode.

Thanks a lot, Gene

[or-else]

Hi Riandy,

Running the server does not constitute distribution. In such a case contributing back is appreciated but not required. In other words, you are not required to disclose the modifications if you just run the server for your clients. To make it absolutely clear - you do NOT need to make your software public if it's used as you described. Here is your question asked and answered on the GNU GPL site:

https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html#UnreleasedMods