For those unfamiliar with the matter, HashiCorp is a significant player in the DevOps and Cloud world. Recently, they made headlines with a decision that has sent ripples through the industry. The drama surrounding HashiCorp’s licensing changes continues to unfold, and while some organizations are reacting with concern, it’s essential to approach the situation with a clear perspective. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these turbulent waters.
The Current Scenario
More than a week after HashiCorp announced their shift away from open source licensing, the aftershocks are evident:
- Numerous organizations, including the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, are beginning to remove HashiCorp dependencies from their code and infrastructure
- A growing initiative called OpenTF, currently backed by nearly 90 companies and 300 individuals, aims to persuade HashiCorp to reconsider. If unsuccessful, there’s talk of forking the Terraform project.
Why this matters
Several factors make this situation particularly noteworthy:
- HashiCorp products are foundational to modern IT infrastructure and have a broad user base. This situation contrasts with previous open-source license changes involving MongoDB, Elasticsearch, and Redis, which had a more contained impact.
- The inclusion of a non-compete clause introduces significant legal uncertainty, even for companies that don’t directly compete with HashiCorp.
- On a broader scale, this move raises concerns about the open-source ecosystem’s future, fostering fear, uncertainty, and doubt regarding open-source products and their economic viability.
But, Don't Panic Just Yet
There are several reasons to remain calm:
- If you’re an end-user company that doesn’t offer competing IT or cloud products/services with HashiCorp, you’re likely unaffected.
- HashiCorp has shown a willingness to engage in discussions.
- Open-source versions will continue to receive security patches until year-end.
- Given the popularity of HashiCorp products, alternatives like OpenTF are likely to emerge.
Next Steps Before Making Hasty Decisions
It’s essential to recognize that several uncertainties still surround the HashiCorp licensing changes:
- Will HashiCorp revert to its previous license?
- Are there changes in store for HashiCorp’s pricing model?
- Will viable alternatives emerge?
Given these unknowns, it’s premature to make sweeping changes. Instead, consider these immediate, measured steps:
- Begin by cataloging where and how you’re using HashiCorp products within your IT systems.
- For now, limit updates to essential security patches and hold off on minor upgrades.
- Evaluate the potential impact on your operations.
By addressing the current situation while keeping an eye on the evolving landscape, organizations can make informed decisions that best suit their needs.
In conclusion
While the HashiCorp licensing changes have undoubtedly caused concern, it’s crucial to approach the situation with a measured and informed perspective. By understanding the landscape and preparing accordingly, organizations can navigate this challenge effectively.
What are your thoughts on the HashiCorp licensing changes? How is your organization responding? We’d love to hear your insights.