Hybrid Software Model: FAQs

What is the new hybrid software model?

The model consists of three main components: 1) access to product source code; 2) a commercial-friendly licensing model that lets customers modify the source code and retain ownership of their modifications; and 3) a transparent development process that allows customers and community members to participate in product development, post bug fixes, create code modifications and new code, donate or share such code with other QNX licensees, and enjoy many other benefits normally restricted to open source projects. Put simply, the new approach combines advantages of both commercial and open-source software models.

Why has QNX introduced this new model?

QNX has recognized the need for a fundamental shift in the way that traditional proprietary embedded software is developed. The rate of change to software and hardware is so rapid, and software so complex, that proprietary vendors and customers alike struggle to keep up. At the same time, pure open source software isn’t always the solution for businesses, who are concerned over code lineage, intellectual property rights, and product integrity.

QNX believes that the current separation of proprietary and open-source software has become obsolete. Consequently, QNX is introducing a new engagement model and a more transparent approach to development that captures the best of both models.

How will QNX customers benefit from the new model?

Customers, their technology partners, and the greater QNX ecosystem will benefit from leveraging easy, broad access to QNX technology, its associated source code, and the large pool of developers experienced in POSIX programming standards. Specifically, customers can: 1) accelerate their development process through available source code, 2) participate in the development of QNX technologies, 3) customize QNX code to optimize and differentiate their own products, and 4) benefit from an expanded QNX ecosystem that can easily port drivers, board support packages, and applications, and share them with the broader community.

What does QNX stand to gain?

QNX has two major goals: 1) to increase mindshare by providing broad and immediate access to QNX technology; and 2) to help speed customer development schedules through a model that leverages the QNX development team as well as an active and contributing community of third-party developers, customers, and partners.

Is this an Open Source project?

No. While many similarities exist between open source and QNX’s hybrid software model, including access to published source code, the model is unique. Unlike GPL licensing, which governs the Linux kernel and other open source software projects, QNX licensing terms don’t force developers to donate code modifications and compromise their IP rights. As a result, developers can participate in QNX-based development projects while maintaining the ability to profit from their source modifications.

Do other companies have the same model?

QNX believes its approach — a hybrid of “available source” and “transparent development,” together with flexible commercialization rights — is unique in the embedded software world. There is a growing movement in the software industry to create commercial open source programs. QNX believes that the new hybrid model will see widespread adoption as software companies discover its many advantages.

Which portions of your technology are now available in source form?

The initial source release includes the QNX microkernel — the heart of the QNX® Neutrino® RTOS — and a number of application libraries that will form the foundation for future source releases. The initial release is available now and comprises over 650,000 lines of OS code. It also provides the source code for 20 board support packages (BSPs). Subsequent releases over the next 18 months will add many more source modules: networking stacks, file systems, utilities, graphics, and a variety of other applications, middleware, and systems services.

Developers can also download a full evaluation version of QNX technology, in binary form. Noncommercial developers and qualified partners, meanwhile, can get free perpetual licenses. All of them will get access to the full-featured QNX Momentics® integrated development environment, which includes the QNX Neutrino RTOS, development tools, and hundreds of drivers, libraries, and utilities.

Where can developers download the source code?

QNX has launched a new community portal, dubbed Foundry27, that provides source code repositories, along with discussion forums, wikis, blogs, technical articles, and a variety of other developer resources.

Foundry27 includes a community bazaar that allows developers to “port and post” applications and tools of interest to other community members. It will also allow members to start new source projects related to QNX products.

How can developers take advantage of the source?

QNX created the hybrid software model to help developers design and innovate more quickly and easily. Developers can take advantage of it in several ways: 1) view OS source code to debug designs more quickly; 2) modify the source code for optimizations or customizations and either offer the code back to the QNX community or keep the changes proprietary; or 3) create their own “flavor” of QNX OS technology that can, for instance, support new hardware architectures.

How do you expect to be successful?

Do you have any experience in this type of program?

QNX has deep experience in both managing and participating in open source projects. QNX was a founding member of Eclipse, arguably the most successful open source initiative to date, and continues to lead the enormously popular Eclipse CDT project. QNX is also a contributing member to the OpenGL and OpenVG projects, and to the Open Group, which defines open standards such as POSIX.

Who can participate?

Anyone can take advantage of the program. Users must identify their interests in accessing QNX technologies, which will determine their form of license. Can the community redistribute the QNX Neutrino RTOS? QNX source code is available for free and can be shared with other QNX licensees. As with any software product or project, open or proprietary, users will have to follow the licensing terms associated with their intended use, whether they wish to “play,” modify, copy, or redistribute. Commercial development seats and runtime redistribution licenses are required for commercial undertakings.

How will this new model affect your revenue?

Existing revenue comes from a variety of product and service offerings, including commercial runtime royalties, development tool sales, and commercial services such as training, consulting, custom engineering, and technical support. QNX will retain this revenue mix, while expanding its revenue stream with higher-value middleware products. With wider distribution and easier adoption, QNX expects to see accelerated revenue growth.