OpenNMS has retained Moglen Ravicher, LLC (a for-profit law firm organized by the Software Freedom Law Center and run to support their non-profit operations) to represent us with respect to issues relating to GPL license violations of OpenNMS code by the Cittio Watchtower product.

A couple of weeks ago I posted on “Ask Slashdot” my concerns about possible GPL violations. While most of the comments were not very helpful (grin), it did cause a number of people to contact me with more information about Cittio’s use of OpenNMS code in their product, and it was enough information for me to go to Eben Moglen with my concerns. Since we’re a for profit enterprise, we aren’t eligible for SFLC’s pro bono services. Thus, we retained Moglen Ravicher to represent us. With their involvement, I am certain that the best interests of the OpenNMS community will be represented and I look forward to a resolution of these licensing issues.

Since this matter does involve lawyers, I will be limited as to what I can share about this process from here on out, which goes against both my open nature and my big mouth. This is a very unpleasant process for us but we feel it is necessary to be true to ideals that drive our project. Thanks for your patience and understanding.