The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source Elasticsearch is open source, again (Interview)
Oct 24, 2024
Shay Banon, the creator of Elasticsearch and founder of Elastic, dives into Elasticsearch's return to open source. He discusses the complexities of licensing and the emotional challenges surrounding the initial decision to move away from open source. The conversation touches on trademark law, the competitive landscape with cloud providers, and the impact on the developer community. Banon highlights how this shift benefits users and explores the evolving role of open source in AI advancements and the tech industry.
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Trademark Confusion
- Shay Banon discusses the challenge of Amazon using the Elasticsearch trademark.
- This led to confusion among users, who often thought the two products were partnered.
Cloud's Trademark Disruption
- Shay Banon registered Elasticsearch's trademark early on, foreseeing potential SaaS confusion.
- Cloud computing disrupted established trademark norms, leading to difficulties.
Frustration and Reputation
- Amazon's use of the Elasticsearch name caused frustration due to user confusion.
- Negative feedback directed at Amazon's service often impacted Elastic's reputation.