Launchpad itself

Is it OK to create a package that will download closed source, free as in money software and host it on LP

Asked by flyguy97

I wrote a program that uses a proprietary but free (as in money) program. I want to create a package that downloads and installs this program much in the way that the acroread package does. This proprietary program is the backend for my program, not the main program itself. I don't think this violates the code of conduct but I want to ask to be sure.

In case its relevant the program that I want to download and install is the SopCast client software for Linux, it can be found at http://www.sopcast.com/download. The program that I developed is SopCast Player, it is already hosted on LP at https://launchpad.net/sopcast-player. Thank you for your time.

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Curtis Hovey (sinzui) said : 		#1

Commercial projects may use and distribute proprietary code via Launchpad by purchasing a commercial subscription. You would need to update https://launchpad.net/sopcast-player, by adding Other/Proprietary to its licenses, then use the link on the project page to purchase a commercial subscription.

Your other option is to script out an installer in your project that installs the proprietary software from another site.
FAQ #208: “Can closed-source or proprietary projects use Launchpad?”.

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flyguy97 (jason-scheunemann) said : 		#2

I'm sorry, I must have been unclear in my question. I understand LP's stance on commercial projects. I want to use the option to create a script that installs the proprietary software. My question is can I create a binary package with the sole purpose of downloading and installing the proprietary software or do I need to code that functionality into my own program? I rather keep it a separate package as other projects may choose to use my package as well. Thank you for your time.

Cheers,
Jason

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Curtis Hovey (sinzui) said : 		#3

Yes, (assuming the installer is *free*), you can create a binary package that installs proprietary software from other locations.

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