Regarding open-source databases, MongoDB has been a trusted name for organizations seeking a flexible, document-oriented NoSQL solution that could offer significant scalability and cost-effectiveness. Founded in 2007 by a trio of veterans from DoubleClick, MongoDB quickly rose to become a leading player—helping companies store and manage large volumes of data in an industry that thrived on flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
However, success brought new challenges for MongoDB. As it matured, the company found itself standing at the crossroads of the increasingly competitive landscape of open-source and cloud providers, with the risk of losing control over its intellectual property.
Years ago, I witnessed a thriving community built around the open-source ethos. The project was committed to the AGPL (GNU Affero General Public License), which allowed unrestricted use, modification, and distribution—provided recipients also made their changes available to all users. It fostered collaboration and innovation. However, I also saw the potential pitfall: cloud services offering similar databases with added features, monetizing these offerings without contributing back to the open-source project.
To protect its intellectual property and secure revenue streams, MongoDB made a bold move in 2018. It transitioned from the AGPL license to a less conventional, server-side public license (SSPL). The move created an uproar within the open-source community, with detractors arguing that it compromised the very essence of open source. But after evaluating the strategic implications, I came to understand that the intent wasn’t to stifle innovation or collaboration but, instead, safeguard MongoDB’s business interests.
SSPL granted MongoDB stronger control over its intellectual property. By enforcing the conditions under which its software could be used and distributed, the company protected its revenue streams. The shift was a calculated risk, eliciting fierce debate within the database community.
Five years later, I see the move as a strategic success. The adoption of the SSPL license enabled MongoDB to continue growing and thriving. The transition positioned the company as an industry leader, allowing it to explore opportunities beyond its core open-source offering.
However, it is essential to remember that open source is about more than just profitability. MongoDB understood this and remained committed to collaboration and community engagement. The company employed thousands, organized many events, and integrated numerous open-source projects with its flagship product.
Reflecting on this episode, I recognize the significance of MongoDB’s navigation of the complex open-source landscape, cloud services, and intellectual property challenges. Its experience demonstrates that fostering innovation and collaboration doesn’t require relinquishing control. Lessons learned from this shift will resonate with organizations aiming to make their mark in the open-source realm.