Is it Free?  In the case of PostgreSQL maybe it is!

Often when choosing to go with Open Source software  there is an expectation that the only cost is a monthly maintenance fee - if that.  What is often mistaken is that the open source license stipulates that if the software is used in a commercial manner then there is a per system fee on an annual basis.  If your operation is based on many smaller systems then this could be a potentially expensive cost!  Anecdotes abound on this misunderstanding and that careers and businesses were negatively impacted due to this.

Having said that, there is a significant distinction with PostgreSQL - the full relational database system.  Here,  the association of developers who develop and maintain it have come up with the PostgreSQL License.  It is quite amazing!  I wonder what Richard Stallman thinks of this!

Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software and its documentation for any purpose, without fee, and without a written agreement is hereby granted, provided that the above copyright notice and this paragraph and the following two paragraphs appear in all copies.

The phrase "for any purpose, without fee" makes it quite clear that there is no cost for commercial use.
So, maybe PostgreSQL should be in your plans?

We'll explore this topic further.


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