MySource Matrix Open Source CMS - Licensing

Firstly, an important distinction to make: MySource Matrix vs Squiz.

MySource Matrix is an open source product. Squiz develops and maintains MySource Matrix via a dedicated team of developers, based at its Sydney and London offices.  MySource Matrix's open source strategy is based on free distribution of the product, and free access to its source code.

At the same time, the development roadmap for MySource Matrix is maintained centrally by Squiz, and open contributions to the product core are encouraged and managed via Squiz's own, strict development standards and processes.

This provides many benefits for users of MySource Matrix, including:

• A controlled, proven and well documented product roadmap (which is now over eight years old)
• The ability to control spending by aquiring the MySource Matrix Open Source CMS at zero cost
• Superior, commercial-class product documentation and support resources
• Total control over the speed (and type) of MySource Matrix-based development
• The ability to quickly take advantage of market-driven innovation around MySource Matrix, by aining free access to the new modules and software assets that are developed by the wider user community

Squiz, meanwhile, is a professional services business that provides commercial support services to MySource Matrix users.

Because MySource Matrix is an Open Source CMS, this provides a number of important benefits for companies that choose to work with Squiz as their services and support partner, including:

• The ability to control 'vendor dependencies' through an in-built freedom to choose service partners. (Because MySource Matrix is an open source content management system, this means that it is supported by thousands of developers and hundreds of service companies worldwide. Users remain in control and are never locked in to a service and support relationship with Squiz.)
• The knowledge that the quality of Squiz's services offering will always be driven positively by external market forces. (Because distribution of MySource Matrix is open and since this encourages competition amongst service providers, Squiz’s objective is always be the most complete and competitive service and support option for the product.)
• Access to the implementation and development expertise gleaned from thousands of MySource Matrix engagements worldwide - via a range of deployments at world-leading with organisations such as the EMAP, Oxford University, The V&A and the NHS.

Squiz Dual Licencing System Explained

MySource Matrix is distributed by Squiz via a dual licencing scheme.

Users may choose to implement MySource Matrix under either the GPL 2 licence or under the Squiz Supported Version licence agreement (or SSV). You can read more about each licence scheme here.

The GPL version of the software is open source and free. The SSV is a paid-for licence that includes support services and proprietary code. There are important distinctions to make between the two types of licence because they offer different implementation choices for users.

The GPL choice provides the following major benefits:

• The ability to acquire the Matrix Open Source CMS at zero cost
• The ability to modify, copy and distribute MySource Matrix as required, also at zero cost (so long as certain conditions within the GPL are maintained)

The SSV choice provides the following major benefits, above and beyond the GPL version:

• The provision of a basic Squiz application warranty
• The provision of Squiz's MySource Matrix extended application modules (including TRIM and SharePoint integration, LDAP integration, Squiz Server and more...)
• The provision of a Squiz support contract, which provides users with a range of SLA-style options which can include free upgrades, dedicated help desk support, up-time guarantees, and response time guarantees

MySource Matrix Choices: GPL or SSV?

Squiz's dual licence scheme is simple. It's designed to provide users of MySource Matrix with an important choice in how they implement the product.

• For those users that require no additional help in implementing the product, or who already have dedicated, commercial-level MySource Matrix support resources in place, or who have no need for the extended functionality offered by the Squiz modules pack, we recommend choosing the GPL licence.
• For those users that require commercial-level support services from a best-of-breed vendor, plus access to the functionality and performance gains offered by the Squiz MySource Matrix modules, we recommend choosing the SSV licence.

Further Information

Read more about MySource Matrix and its licence scheme