Open Core

Noun · Open Source

Definitions

  1. A business model where the core product is open source but advanced features, hosted services, or enterprise capabilities are proprietary and monetized separately. It is a common commercial strategy and a recurring source of debate in open source communities.

    In plain English: A business model where basic software is open source but premium features are closed and paid.

    Example: "The company called it open source, but the revenue engine was clearly an open core model with the real admin features behind a paywall."

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