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Have YOU made money using open source software?

By Roger Gillette - Mar. 31, 2008

Just wondering if anyone here has made money on Open Source projects through consulting, hosting service, or simply building a product/service using an open source app.

If you're consulting on OSS projects - can you specify which projects, the type of service you provide and what is the typical rate/fee you charge?

Feel free to leave an anonymous response if you're not comfortable with disclosing your fortunes here :)

Being employed by a company that uses open source software doesn't count (otherwise i'll have to put my putrid salary on here!)

Cheers!


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  1. By an anonymous user on Mar. 31, 2008

    No


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  2. By Owen Walker on Mar. 31, 2008

    @Anon - That's too bad. You should try it sometime! :)


    I make anywhere between $65-75/Hour for customization and deployment of CMS packages.


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  3. By an anonymous user on Mar. 31, 2008

    A product I used to use (activecollab) recently jumped ship. I had corresponded with the developer on the newsgroups and he had done a great job with the Open Source version of the site. The site is now on a paid model (www.activecollab.com), and is a poor man's hosted version of BaseCamp (www.basecamphq.com). Not sure how well it is doing, though.


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  4. By an anonymous user on Mar. 31, 2008

    I haven't made any money, but I've spent a fair amount on getting a bunch of open source apps implemented.


    drupaldd's rates are about right for independent developers/consultants BUT if you make the mistake of going with someone some of suits like Accenture you've got to pay almost 5-10x that amount so that they can pay for their airfares, power point decks, hotels and dry cleaning their suits.


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  5. By an anonymous user on Apr. 01, 2008

    I work as a php/mysql developer, consultant and don't seem to have a problem finding work - typically through referrals, and believe it or not - Craigslist!!


    Typically charge $50/hour, but go lower for longer-term projects.


    Its not as good as what I would get working in a larger company, but love the fact that I can work on my own schedule and don't have some suit to answer to.


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  6. By David Strickland on Apr. 23, 2008

    I do consulting and implementation of DotNetNuke Sites for a variety of clients. I've almost built my whole business around the idea. I have 4 developers plus myself working either part or full time on DotNetNuke Implementations\Consulting\Training or customization. Making money on open Source is easy Just become an expert in a given product and advertise that you know it and can help.


    Just because the software is free doesn't mean clients won't pay to have it work the way they want. Personally I've found that clients that use OpenSource products are far more likely to want to "Customize it" and pay someone to do it then clients that use sealed shrink wrapped products.


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  7. By Delia Lunsford on Apr. 23, 2008

    I generally only work with open source applications. Being able to read the source code is just invaluable because my clients are always wanting whatever it is to work differently. Not being able to alter an application is insane for me!


    Have I made money? YES and I wouldn't have a business if I didn't!


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  8. By an anonymous user on Apr. 29, 2008

    Of course; and my customers have saved millions. Too bad truly comprehensive ROI studies are such a tedious pain in the @$$ that nobody will pay for them.


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  9. By OSAf W on May. 01, 2008

    I did not earn money directly. But I was able to get my company some business and goodwill getting its client use open source tools for some of their activites. If that in a small way counts to making money with open source applications. :)


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