Due to long-standing issues and the inability to control and manage the source code, QGIS is going closed source effective today, 2009-04-01. The software is no longer licensed as free software but rather is to be managed by a consortium made up of several key developers.

The new consortium has been incorporated under the name FFOPIR. All developers and users not part of the consortium must remove all QGIS source code from their machines. In order to facilitate the code cleansing, FFOPIR will be providing an address where you must ship your computer so we can perform the removal. Cost for shipping and return will be borne by the individual. A $100 US fee per machine will be assessed during the cleansing.

Users are not affected by the changes until the 1.1 release, at which time a license fee will be required. A licensing structure has not been established, however it will parallel that of the leaders in proprietary GIS. Those using QGIS on free operating systems will be billed an additional 50% above the normal license fee. Any use of QGIS or it's source code after 2009-04-01 without strict written permission will constitute a violation of FFOPIR rights.

Under the new structure, Python plugins will be billed on a per-click basis. Usage of QGIS will require registration and a credit card on file to facilitate the real-time billing. As part of the transition, all Python plugins are now owned by and part of the FFOPIR. Those wishing to develop new plugins must purchase the Python Integration Guild (PIG) SDK. Pricing for the SDK will be released soon.

As part of our goal to enhance and further QGIS, the code base will be converted to a more flexible and intuitive language, rich in TUI design possibilities. Currently the choices being considered are FORTRAN and COBOL. While these changes will be transparent to most users, some may experience flashbacks to the days of character based (curses) applications. We believe these changes will provide a rich user experience, significantly different than any GIS software on the market today. The engineering department is working hard to solve the problems related to vector and raster display on character based devices.

In conclusion, the FFOPIR effect will be big. While some may not agree with these changes, we are convinced that they are in our own best interests.

Again, the key date for these changes is 2009-04-01.