Apache grows up – and up

1999-07-16

It is not only Microsoft’s admittance to be running Apache on some of its MSN Web servers that indicate the growing maturity of the server software. The loosely knit federation of Apache developers have formed the Apache Software Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation which aims to continue Apache’s development in its open source vein.

Apaché’s maturity is bolstered by its global takeup. According to a recent survey, Apache is, now, the software in use by over half of the world’s Web servers. This trend is set to continue, as the formation of the ASF will be seen as good news for the corporate world. It can be a difficult decision to take as an IS manager, to use the industry standard (and free) Apache, or to follow a traditional model of buying licensed software which comes with a nominal offer of support, services and upgrades. The reality is that the Apache community is as good at supporting its software as any corporation but making the leap to public domain software is seen as a bit like voting for the Green party, in some circles.

Where will it end? There is always the chance that, once Apache has captured the majority of the Web Server market, it starts to charge for services. Considering the formation of the organisation (and even if it keeps its promise to avoid profit) it seems difficult to believe that the ASF will be able to avoid making money in the future. These are unlikely to be through direct sales of the web server software itself, more through leveraging the Apache brand. For example, the organisation could sell added value service or, most likely, sell new software packages that build on the Apache brand. Indeed, if Apache was floated, it would be likely to make millions on the strength of its brand alone.

(First published 16 July 1999)