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Isn't OpenVPN Free Open Source?

Abstract

The OpenVPN software is free under its open-source license; Access Server, as a commercial product, requires a paid license due to its additional features, support, and services.

Question: Isn't OpenVPN open source and thus free?

Answer:

OpenVPN has an open-source component that is freely available under its software license agreement. However, the commercial product, Access Server, offered by OpenVPN Inc., isn't free. Here are the key differences:

  1. Open-source OpenVPN:

    • Availability: The core OpenVPN program is open source and can be used for free as long as users comply with the terms of its license agreement.

    • Features: It provides the basic functionality needed to set up a VPN.

  2. Access Server (Commercial Product):

    • Enhanced Features: While Access Server utilizes the OpenVPN open-source program at its core, it includes many additional features and enhancements that aren't available in the free version.

    • Support and Services: Access Server comes with professional support and services, part of the paid offerings.

In summary, while the essential OpenVPN software is free under its open-source license, Access Server, as a commercial product, requires a paid license due to its additional features, support, and services.