CockroachDB Adopts Freemium Model, Phases Out Open-Source Core

CockroachDB, a distributed SQL database, is making a significant shift in its licensing model. Starting November 2024, Cockroach Labs will discontinue its open-source Core version, consolidating its offerings under the CockroachDB Enterprise edition. This move will make advanced features accessible to a broader range of users, including small businesses and individual developers, who will now benefit from capabilities previously restricted to paying customers.

Cockroach Labs announced that while the open-source Core version will be retired, the Enterprise edition will become free for companies with annual revenues under $10 million. This change reflects the growing demand from startups and smaller enterprises for advanced database features, such as disaster recovery and cluster optimization, that were not available in the Core version.

For larger companies, CockroachDB will continue to offer its Enterprise edition with a paid licensing model, which includes dedicated support. However, individual developers and smaller companies using the free version will rely on community support.

This transition is part of CockroachDB’s broader strategy to streamline its product offerings and ensure that all users have access to a unified set of advanced features. The shift coincides with the release of CockroachDB 24.3, though it will also apply to earlier versions receiving future updates.

While the company’s self-hosted Core offering is being phased out, CockroachDB’s cloud services remain unaffected. The cloud-based offerings will continue under the same licensing model as before, allowing users to choose the best deployment option based on their needs.

Cockroach Labs’ decision aligns with a trend where open-source companies are reassessing their licensing models to balance community contributions with commercial sustainability. This shift, however, raises questions about the future of open-source software in enterprise environments and how companies will adapt to the evolving landscape of software licensing.