How to properly build java library?

Which Business model to choose for software library (framework) in 2012?

• I'd like to develop fast Java ORM since I hate proprietary solution (aka Hibernate) and I'd use it in few projects to be sure to build it good. I know that some people would like to try it, and some will use it, however, it's difficult to earn money from selling software library (framework) nowadays. I see some possibilities: - sell it, don't provide it to free hoping I'll get some customers, perhaps give it for free up to version 1.0 (sneaky however legal) - open source it and hope to earn money from custom features, consulting, support and premium software - dual licence, to give it to free for Open Source projects and for fee for proprietary software Any opinions which business model to try out of these? (if any)

• Answer:

  If you must, open source is best, unless you have a lot of money, time, and effort to put into sales and marketing.  Otherwise it will certainly be a dud. If it has existing, maintained competitors in the open source space, then it needs to do something those don't.  Otherwise it will also certainly be a dud. But I think the whole enterprise here is a bad idea.  Hibernate *is* open source, and only "proprietary" in that it has a particular way of doing things.  I would suggest that you contribute to Hibernate, and if you wish to make money at it, consult with companies about implementing Hibernate.