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The future of the TYPOlight live update

by Leo Feyer – Announcements

As from version 2.5.0, the TYPOlight live update will not be a free service anymore. Currently, there are more than 4.500 live update request every month, causing a lot of traffic that has to be paid. In addition, it takes a lot of time to create that many releases and to maintain the live update service (compared to just uploading the archives to github.com). There have been a few donations, however, they do not cover these expenses at all.

How will it work?

You will be able to sign up for a live update ID in the TYPOlight online shop. A live update ID will cost less than 1 Euro per month and will be valid for one year. The basic package includes a license for one domain and is not limited to a certain number of installations. If you have more than one domain (e.g. as an agency that is running several client websites), you can buy additional licenses. A license is likely to cost between 0,05 and 0,20 Euro.

Do I have to sign up in order to use TYPOlight?

Definitely not! TYPOlight remains a free Open Source project that can be used without any restrictions. The live update service is an optional service that allows you to update your installation with only a few clicks. If you do not want to use this service, you can download TYPOlight from github.com and update your installation manually.

Why do you charge for a service that used to be free?

In the last year alone, I have fulfilled more than 160 feature request, created more than 3.000 posts in the forum and released 5 major versions as well as more than 50 builds from which most included new features. Compared to other Open Source projects, this service is definitely outstanding. However, it is also very time consuming and if I do not get paid for it, I will not be able to spend this amount of time anymore.

So, I basically had the options to either make TYPOlight a commercial project, charge for extensions or support (like the xtCommerce community does it) or spend less time on it. However, as I do want TYPOlight to remain an free Open Source project that also provides free extensions and free support, none of these options seemed applicable. Therefore, I decided to charge for the live update service, which has been an optional service every since.

I am a translator or developer. Do I need a live update ID?

No. Anyone who supports the project by creating extensions, language packs, tutorials or screencasts or who supports other users in the forum, will be given a live update ID for free. I am not trying to put volunteers off but to ensure the future of the TYPOlight project. I do not want TYPOlight to become a typical Open Source project with only a single release per year and a forum that is never read by any developer.

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