Change of Pimcore license from GPLv3 to POCL - what does it mean for users?

1. Introduction
2. What is the Pimcore Open Core License (POCL)?
3. What changes for current GPL users?
4. What does POCL mean for new customers?
5. What is still allowed and what is prohibited under POCL?
6. Is Pimcore still open?
7. Controversies related to POCL
8. Summary
9. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Pimcore, as a versatile platform for product information management (PIM), content management (CMS), and customer experience management (CXM), introduces a significant change in its licensing model. Starting from Pimcore Platform version 2025.1, the GPLv3 license will be replaced by the new Pimcore Open Core License (POCL). This means that version 2024.4 will be the last released under the GPLv3 license.

Why is Pimcore abandoning the GPLv3 license?

GPLv3 license served Pimcore well in the initial stages of platform development, enabling the creation of an open ecosystem and an active community. However, in today's business environment, particularly in the corporate context, GPLv3 has started to create more problems than benefits.

Problems with GPLv3 in Corporate Environments:

• Legal uncertainty - GPLv3 is known for its "viral" nature, which requires that any software containing code under this license must also be made available under the GPL license. For example, if a company creates an e-commerce application and uses Pimcore under the GPLv3 license, theoretically the entire application should be made available under the GPL license - even if it contains sensitive, proprietary elements.
• Difficulties in passing audits - Companies often encounter obstacles during security and compliance audits when there is GPL-licensed software in their technology stack. For example, the legal department may block the implementation of Pimcore due to unclear licensing boundaries and the potential risk of disclosing proprietary code.
• Increasing regulatory requirements - New regulations, such as NIS2 in Europe, require companies to have greater transparency and control over the software they use. For example, a company operating in the financial sector must thoroughly document all components of its system and clearly define licensing boundaries - which is challenging in the case of GPL.
• Legal department refusals - We increasingly hear the phrase "No GPL, no go" from legal departments that block the implementation of solutions based on GPL. To illustrate the situation: a pharmaceutical company planning to implement Pimcore for product data management may be halted by a legal department fearing the licensing consequences of GPLv3.

As a result of these challenges, Pimcore decided to create a new license that maintains the spirit of openness, yet is more business-friendly.
 

What is the Pimcore Open Core License (POCL)?

POCL is a new licensing model created by Pimcore, designed to balance open source with the business and legal needs of modern enterprises. It serves as an alternative to traditional open source licenses, focusing on providing flexibility of use while maintaining clear legal boundaries.

Key features of the POCL license

Access to the full source code

POCL provides full access to the source code for both Pimcore Platform and Pimcore Studio. You can analyze, debug, and learn from the code just like with traditional open-source software. For example, a developer wanting to understand how the asset management system in Pimcore works can freely examine the implementation of this component.

Possibility of customizing and developing commercial solutions

The license allows for the creation, customization, and development of your own commercial solutions based on Pimcore. For example:

• An interactive agency can create a dedicated module for a client in the furniture industry that will integrate product data management with external logistics systems.
• The online store can modify the Pimcore administrative interface to better suit its unique business processes.
• A consulting firm can build a specialized industry solution based on Pimcore and offer it as a service to its clients.

Clear legal boundaries

POCL establishes clear boundaries between the Pimcore core and the user's own solutions. This is a key difference compared to GPLv3, which often blurred these boundaries. For example:

A company creating its own reporting module in Pimcore under the POCL license understands that:

• The core of Pimcore remains under the POCL license.
• Dedicated reporting module may remain proprietary (although it must comply with POCL rules)
• There is no risk that the entire company's code will be "contaminated" by an open source license

Revenue threshold for free use

One of the most practical aspects of POCL is the revenue-based licensing model:

• Organizations with annual revenues below 5 million euros can use Pimcore Community Edition under the POCL license completely free of charge.
• Non-profit and educational organizations are also eligible for a free license, regardless of size.
• After exceeding the threshold of 5 million euros in revenue, a commercial POCL license is required.

This solution allows small businesses, startups, and social organizations to leverage the full potential of Pimcore without licensing costs, while simultaneously providing funding for further platform development by larger entities.

The difference between a production environment and a non-production environment

POCL introduces a clear distinction between production and non-production use:

• Production use refers to the utilization of software for creating solutions and production within business activities.
• Non-production use includes demonstrations, prototype design, concept testing, and sales presentations.

For non-production use, a Pimcore Developer License (PDLA) is required, which must be purchased.

It is worth noting: If a company begins developing a solution with the intention or anticipated effect of deploying it into production, such use from the very beginning is considered production use, for which the revenue threshold applies.

Practical example

Consider a technology startup developing an innovative e-commerce platform:

1. The startup has an annual revenue of 2 million euros.

2. I decide to use Pimcore for managing content and product data

3. Creates its own modules and integrations tailored to its business model

In this scenario:

• A startup can use Pimcore Community Edition under the POCL license free of charge.
• Can develop own modules and integrations without the need to share them
• When it exceeds the threshold of 5 million euros in revenue, it will have to switch to a commercial license.

This gives young companies the opportunity to grow with a powerful tool without initial financial burdens, while providing Pimcore with a business model based on the success of its users.

What changes for current GPL users?

Important: Version 2024.4 is the last version of Pimcore under the GPLv3 license. Support for this version definitively ends at the end of 2026. After this date, no security updates or bug fixes will be available.

If you are currently using Pimcore under the GPLv3 license, switching to POCL is significant for you. Below, we present how you can prepare for it and what the best practices are for a smooth migration.

Possibilities of migrating existing extensions

Having extensions or modules created for Pimcore under the GPLv3 license presents you with several options. The choice mainly depends on who owns the code and what external components your solution contains.

Example 1: Agency with its own modules

Imagine an interactive agency that has created a set of modules for managing marketing campaigns in Pimcore:

• If the agency wrote all the code independently (or has appropriate agreements with employees/contractors), it can simply change the module licenses from GPLv3 to POCL
• It does not require rewriting the code - just a change of license information in the project files
• The agency can continue to develop modules under the new license

Example 2: A company using open source modules

A manufacturing company uses Pimcore with several external modules under the GPLv3 license created by the community:

• These modules cannot be directly used in new versions of Pimcore under the POCL license.
• The company must either find alternative modules compliant with POCL or implement this functionality independently.
• It is possible to maintain an older Pimcore environment (≤ 2024.4) with these modules alongside a newer version.

5-step migration plan from GPLv3 to POCL

Below we present a practical migration plan that you can apply in your organization:

Step 1: Inventory and categorization of code

Create a list of all extensions, modules, integrations, and helper libraries you use with Pimcore.

Step 2: Confirm code ownership

Check the contracts with employees and contractors to ensure that your organization holds full copyright to the code. For example:

• Check if the contracts with developers include clauses on the transfer of copyright.
• If you have used freelancers, make sure that the contracts transfer the rights to sublicense
• Identify the components you cannot relicense

Step 3: Choose the licensing path

Depending on your business needs, you can choose one of the following paths:

1.Only POCL: If you are creating new deployments based on Pimcore 2025.1+

2.Version-specific license (GPLv3 and POCL): To support both older and newer systems

3.Isolation/Refactoring: When the code contains GPL components that you cannot relicense

Step 4: License Update

1. Add the LICENSE.md file to your project

2. Replace GPLv3 headers in source files with POCL language

3. If you choose version-specific licensing, clearly define the version boundary

Step 5: Communication and documentation

1. Add comments or banners in the code and documentation

2. Internally document the licensing decision - when, why, and by whom it was made

3. Notify clients, partners, or end users if your plugin is publicly available

What to do if the license cannot be changed?

If you identify the code that:

• Contains GPLv3 code from external vendors
• Has contributions from external developers without clear agreements

You have three options:

1. Refactoring

Example: Your analytical module uses a visualization library under the GPLv3 license. Solution: Rewrite the component using another library compliant with POCL (e.g., replacing the GPLv3 ChartJS with an MIT-licensed library).

2. Insulation

Example: You have a comprehensive reporting module under the GPLv3 license, but you cannot rewrite it before the migration deadline. Solution: Limit this module to older Pimcore environments (≤ 2024.4) and simultaneously develop a new version for newer environments.

3. Negotiation

Example: The module contains code from a former employee without a clear agreement on the transfer of rights. Solution: Contact the author and request permission for relicensing or clarify the legal situation.

Prohibition of mixing GPLv3 and POCL code

Important: POCL explicitly prohibits combining GPLv3 code and POCL in a single environment.

You must maintain a strict separation between:

• Pimcore environments ≤ 2024.4 using GPLv3
• Pimcore environments ≥ 2025.1 using POCL

Example of violation: Implementation of Pimcore 2025.1 (POCL) with a reporting module under GPLv3 license Solution: Separate environments - maintain older versions of Pimcore for GPLv3 or relicense the module to POCL

Support for multiple versions

If you need to support both older and newer versions of Pimcore simultaneously, the most transparent approach is to maintain two separate branches:

• Branch GPLv3 for compatibility with Pimcore CE ≤ 2024.4
• Branch with POCL license for Pimcore CE ≥ 2025.1

Important: This is not "dual licensing" in the traditional sense. This is version-specific licensing - and it keeps you in full compliance with both the POCL and GPLv3 terms.

What does POCL mean for new customers?

If you are just considering implementing Pimcore or planning to start a new project with it, the POCL license is of significant importance to you. In this chapter, we will look at the practical aspects of POCL for new users.

Terms of free use

The POCL license introduces clear rules regarding the free use of Pimcore Community Edition:

Threshold of 5 million euros in revenue

Organizations whose total global revenue does not exceed 5 million euros annually can use Pimcore Community Edition completely free of charge. This is very beneficial for:

• Startups - Example: a startup developing a platform for the tourism industry can leverage the full functionality of Pimcore without initial licensing costs
• Small businesses - Example: a local marketing agency serving regional businesses can offer Pimcore-based solutions at an attractive price
• Medium-sized companies - Example: a manufacturer of specialized equipment with a revenue of 4 million euros can implement Pimcore as a central product information management system

Important disclaimer: the company cannot be a part, branch, affiliated entity, or shell company for another organization whose total revenue exceeds the threshold of 5 million euros.

Non-profit and educational organizations

Non-profit and educational organizations can use Pimcore Community Edition for free, regardless of size. For example:

• The university can use Pimcore to manage content on its website.
• A charity organization can build a portal for donors based on Pimcore
• Vocational school can teach students to create PIM systems using the example of Pimcore

Verification and audit

Pimcore reserves the right to verify whether an organization qualifies for free use. In practice, this may mean that:

• When you start using Pimcore, you will need to confirm your revenue.
• If your revenue exceeds the threshold, you will be required to inform Pimcore.
• Pimcore can conduct an audit to verify compliance

Example of the verification process:

1. The company begins using Pimcore and declares revenue below 5 million euros

2. After two years of growth, the company exceeds the threshold

3. The company informs Pimcore about the status change

4. Pimcore offers an appropriate commercial license
 

Costs of purchasing a license

For companies that do not meet the requirements for free use of the application, two commercial versions are available:

• Professional Edition - €8,400 annually, includes Pimcore functionalities previously offered in the Community Edition
• Enterprise Edition - approximately €25,200 annually, offers advanced features and enterprise extensions

Additionally, users continuing to work with Admin UI Classic must pay a one-time fee of €1,480 for the ExtJS license.
 

Legal clarity without GPL complications

One of the biggest advantages of POCL for new clients is the legal clarity that was lacking in GPLv3.

Example: Pharmaceutical company

The pharmaceutical company plans to implement Pimcore for managing drug information and marketing materials:

• Under GPLv3: The legal department could block the project due to the risk that the company's proprietary algorithms would have to be made available under an open source license.
• Under POCL: The company can safely integrate Pimcore with proprietary systems, without the risk of "license contamination"

Example: E-commerce solutions provider

A company creating online stores for clients is considering Pimcore as the base for its product:

• Under GPLv3: Each client installation might require sharing the entire code, including proprietary modules.
• Under POCL: A company can create its own paid modules and keep their code proprietary while utilizing Pimcore's functionality.

Possibilities of using, modifying, and building solutions

POCL offers new clients a wide range of possibilities for using Pimcore:

Building your own solutions

You can create dedicated industry solutions, for example:

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) system for the publishing industry
• Information portal about products for distributors
• Integrated content management system for a network of stores

Customizing to your own needs

POCL allows for deep modifications of the system. These modifications remain your property and you do not have to share them.

Developing commercial products

POCL enables the creation and sale of your own solutions based on Pimcore:

• Industry-specific templates for particular sectors
• Advanced analytical modules
• Integrations with ERP, CRM systems, etc.

Restrictions on redistribution and offering as SaaS

New clients should be aware of the limitations introduced by POCL:

Prohibition of offering as a hosted service

You cannot offer Pimcore as a hosted or managed service, providing third parties with a significant portion of its features. For example:

• Not allowed: Launching "PimcoreHosting.com", where clients pay for access to a Pimcore instance
• Allowed: Offering a specialized industry solution that uses Pimcore as part of a larger ecosystem

Prohibition of creating competitive products

You cannot modify or redistribute Pimcore in a way that leads to the creation of a competitive product. For example:

• Not allowed: Creating "EasyPim" - a simplified version of Pimcore offered as an alternative
• Allowed: Creation of a specialized "FurniturePIM" solution dedicated to the furniture industry

Prohibition of inclusion in a commercial product

You cannot incorporate Pimcore into a commercial product or service that derives its economic value mainly from Pimcore. For example:

• Not allowed: The product "PimcorePRO" being a slightly modified version of Pimcore with changed branding
• Allowed: The "RetailSuite" system integrating Pimcore with proprietary sales, logistics, and customer service modules

The difference between a production environment and a non-production environment

POCL license introduces a significant distinction between production and non-production use:

Production use

Concerns the use of software for solution development and production within business activities. Examples:

• Implementation of a PIM system for managing the company's product catalog
• Launching a website based on Pimcore
• Integration of Pimcore with the company's business systems

For such use, a threshold of 5 million euros applies.

Non-productive use

Includes demonstrations, prototype design, concept testing, and sales presentations. Examples:

• Demonstrating Pimcore functionality to the client during the meeting
• Creation of a website prototype
• Testing the PIM system concept before proper implementation

Important: For non-production use, a Pimcore Developer License (PDLA) is required, which must be purchased.

Transition between environments

If you are starting the development of a solution with the intention or expected outcome of deploying it into production, such use from the very beginning is considered production use.

Example: The agency begins work on implementing Pimcore for a client. Even the development stage is considered as production use (and not non-production), because ultimately the system will be deployed to a production environment.

What is still allowed and what is prohibited under POCL?

The POCL license introduces a new set of rules regarding what can and cannot be done with Pimcore. Below we present a detailed discussion of permitted and prohibited actions, with practical examples.

What can you do under the POCL license?

POCL provides extensive flexibility in the use of Pimcore, especially for internal teams, integrators, and extension developers.

1. Build proprietary plugins or modules

You can create extensions that remain your intellectual property and do not need to be shared with the community.

2. Keep the code private or share it selectively

You have full control over whether and to whom you share your extensions.

Example: The company is developing an advanced data analysis module for Pimcore and can:

• Keep for internal use only
• Make it available only to selected clients
• Make it available as open source, if they decide so (but in accordance with POCL)

3. Offer commercial versions or premium support

You can monetize your work related to Pimcore.

Example:

• The basic version of the data export module can be free
• Premium version with advanced features may be paid
• You can offer support, consulting, and implementation services

4. Use POCL code without the necessity to open-source extensions

You can integrate Pimcore with your proprietary systems without worrying about "license contamination."

Example: A pharmaceutical company may:

• Integrate Pimcore with your own clinical trial management system
• Keep the integration code proprietary
• Do not worry that its proprietary algorithm will have to be shared

5. Modify the Pimcore core for internal use

You can customize the Pimcore core to your needs without having to share these changes.

What can't you do under the POCL license?

To maintain the integrity and sustainable development of the ecosystem, POCL introduces several key restrictions.

1. Change of the POCL core license or derivatives to GPLv3 or another license

You cannot change the Pimcore code license to another one.

Example of violation:

• Cloning the Pimcore repository
• Change of license information from POCL to MIT
• Sharing of such a modified version

2. Combining systems based on POCL with GPLv3 components

You cannot integrate code under the GPLv3 license with Pimcore systems under the POCL license.

Example of violation:

• Installation of the GPLv3 module in Pimcore 2025.1
• Integration of the GPLv3 library with the Pimcore project on POCL

3. Offering the Pimcore core as a SaaS solution without a commercial license

You cannot offer Pimcore as a hosted service without an appropriate commercial license.

Examples of violation:

• Creation of the "Pimcore as a Service" platform and charging fees for access
• Offering "Managed Pimcore" as a subscription service
• Creating a multi-tenant Pimcore instance for multiple clients

4. Creating a fork of Pimcore as a competitive public or commercial offering

You cannot create alternative versions of Pimcore that compete with the original product.

Examples of violation:

• Creation of "SimplePim" based on Pimcore code
• Rebranding Pimcore to "YourBrandPIM" and offering it as an alternative
• Removal of the Pimcore Store feature and offering such a version

Community Contribution Guidelines and CLA

If you want to contribute to the development of Pimcore or distribute your modifications, you must comply with the Pimcore Contributors License Agreement (PCLA).

Example of a co-creation process:

1. Discovery of a bug or need for a new feature in Pimcore

2. Creating a fork of the Pimcore repository

3. Introduction of changes in the code

4. Acceptance of PCLA before submitting a pull request

5. Submitting changes to the official repository

Is Pimcore still open?

Change of license from GPLv3 to POCL may raise questions about the continued openness of the Pimcore platform. In this chapter, we will examine how this change affects code openness, platform availability, and collaboration opportunities with the community.

Public GitHub repositories

One of the most important aspects of openness is access to the source code. Pimcore repositories on GitHub remain fully public - anyone can view the code, analyze its structure, and learn from it.

Example: Browsing Pimcore code

The main Pimcore repository is available at: https://github.com/pimcore/pimcore. You can:

• Browse the entire source code
• Analyze change history
• Study the structure and architecture of the system

The change of license does not affect this transparency - the code remains open for review and analysis.

Community activity

Pimcore emphasizes that the community collaboration model remains unchanged. All existing communication and collaboration channels are still active:

GitHub Discussions

Discussion forum on GitHub remains an active place for exchanging ideas, solving problems, and collaboration. Examples of topics:

• Technical questions regarding implementation
• Proposals for new features
• Sharing best practices
• Discussions about system architecture

Problemy

System for reporting issues (Issues) allows the community to report bugs and propose improvements. Example process for reporting an issue:

1. Discovery of an error in the data import functionality

2. Creating a new Issue with a problem description

3. Inclusion of reproduction steps and expected outcome

4. Labeling as "bug" and assigning to the appropriate category

5. Tracking progress in problem resolution

Prośby o scalenie

The community can still directly contribute to the development of Pimcore through pull requests.

Umowa Licencyjna Współtwórcy (CLA)

Pimcore continues to apply the Contributor License Agreement (CLA) as the basis for managing community contributions. The CLA defines the rules for transferring rights to the code and is a key element in securing the legal integrity of the project.

Practical aspects of CLA:

• Anyone who wants to contribute to Pimcore's code must accept the CLA
• CLA ensures that Pimcore has the rights to use, modify, and redistribute the contribution.
• The document is available at: https://github.com/pimcore/pimcore/blob/12.x/CLA.md

Difference between "open source" and "source-available"

It should be noted that POCL is not formally an open source license according to the definition of the Open Source Initiative (OSI). It is a "source-available" license, which retains many aspects of openness but introduces certain restrictions.

Open Source
 

• Access to code: Full
• Modification: Allowed
• Redistribution: Allowed (under GPL)
• Commercial use: Allowed
• "Virality": Yes (requires GPL)

Source-Available (POCL):
 

• Access to code: Full
• Modification: Allowed
• Redistribution: Limited
• Commercial use: Allowed with restrictions
• "Virality": No

Practical example:
 

In the GPLv3 model:

• The company is developing an advanced module for Pimcore
• If you integrate it with GPL code, you must make the entire module code available under GPL.
• Anyone can take this code, modify it, and redistribute it.

In the POCL model:

• The company is creating an advanced module for Pimcore
• May keep the module code proprietary
• Others may use the module, but they cannot freely redistribute it without the author's consent.

Is openness just a license?

Pimcore emphasizes that openness is not just a matter of a license label, but actual access, transparency, and the ability to participate. In this sense, the platform remains open despite the license change.

Practical aspects of openness that remain:

1. Access to code

2. Transparency of development:

• The development roadmap is publicly available
• Architectural decisions are discussed openly
• The history of changes is complete and available

3. Possibility of participation:

• You can still report issues and suggestions
• You can propose changes via pull requests
• You can participate in discussions and decision-making

In summary, although Pimcore is no longer formally open source software in the strict sense of the term, the platform retains many key aspects of openness that are important to the developer and user community.

 

Controversies related to POCL

Although the change in Pimcore's license may seem like a technical issue, it has sparked a range of concerns and discussions within the developer community. As a Pimcore partner, we understand both the motivations behind this decision and the challenges faced by users. It is worth openly examining these issues so that organizations can make informed decisions.

Technical confusion in the developer community

One of the most frequently appearing topics in community discussions is the technical complexity associated with the new license. In the official discussion on GitHub, developers express frustration related to the practical aspects of implementation.

Problems with code management

An active member of the Pimcore community expressed common sentiments: "Licenses are a very strange and confusing topic. Do we need to license different parts of the code separately or create different modules with different licenses?"

This uncertainty is understandable, especially when developers have to:

• Maintain separate versions of your extensions for different versions of Pimcore
• Ensure that GPLv3 code does not mix with POCL code.
• Manage dependencies that may have incompatible licenses

Uncertainties regarding hosting models

The issue of offering Pimcore as a service is causing particular confusion. One of the developers asked: "If I host it for my clients, that's ok. But if I offer managed hosting for other Pimcore agencies that use it for their clients, is that not allowed?"

Even representatives of Pimcore admit that "Licensing is a wild and complex topic, especially in the open source world!" - which shows that even for the platform's creators, some usage scenarios remain in a gray area.

Concerns related to revenue thresholds and audits

A revenue-based licensing model, while understandable from a business perspective, raises specific practical concerns.

Verification mechanisms

POCL grants Pimcore broad rights to verify compliance:

• Companies must "provide Pimcore with information, grant access to relevant documents and records"
• It is possible to conduct a "hardware and software environment audit"
• Pimcore's decisions on breaching the threshold are made "excluding legal recourse"

For many organizations, especially those concerned with the confidentiality of business data, such broad audit permissions may pose an obstacle to platform adoption.

Cliff effect when crossing the threshold

Companies experiencing dynamic growth may find themselves in a difficult situation as they approach the 5 million euro threshold. A sudden jump from a free license to a commercial one may require unplanned expenses at a critical moment in the company's development.

Unexpected costs for Community Edition users

One of the most surprising aspects of the change is the introduction of additional fees for components that were previously free.

ExtJS License

Users continuing to use Admin UI Classic must purchase a license for 1,480 euros. For many small businesses and developers, this is a significant expense, especially since:

• Previously, this component was available at no additional charge.
• Information about this change was not widely communicated before the introduction of POCL
• An alternative in the form of a new interface may require significant investment in team training.

Debate: "Source-available" or "Open Source"?

In the broader open source community, there is a fundamental discussion about the nature of licenses like POCL.

The position of open source purists

Critics point out that POCL does not meet the definition of open source according to the Open Source Initiative. The main objections are:

• Restrictions on creating competitive products
• Prohibition of offering the platform as a SaaS service
• Financial requirements after exceeding the revenue threshold

Pragmatic perspective

On the other hand, proponents of the source-available model argue that:

• It ensures the sustainable development of the project
• Protects against unfair competition from tech giants
• Still offers access to the source code and the ability to modify

Technical challenges of migration

Practical aspects of transitioning to POCL pose a real challenge for development teams.

Dual Licensing Management

Organizations supporting both older and newer versions of Pimcore must:

• Maintain two separate code branches
• Ensure that the changes do not violate the terms of any licenses
• Educate teams about the differences between versions

Problem with external dependencies

Particularly problematic are:

• Libraries under the GPLv3 license that cannot be used with POCL
• The necessity to find alternatives or refactor the code
• Risk of introducing errors during migration

Long-term implications for the ecosystem

The change of license may have far-reaching consequences for the future of the platform and its community.

Potential benefits
 

• Financial stability of the project ensured by the commercial model
• Better compliance with corporate requirements
• Clearer rules for commercial use

Potential threats
 

• Limiting innovation by banning competitive forks
• Barrier to entry for new users due to legal uncertainty
• Fragmentation of the community between supporters of GPL and POCL

How to Approach Controversies - A Practical Perspective

As a Pimcore partner, we see these controversies as a natural part of the evolution of a mature platform. It is important to:

1. Understand concerns - every organization has its unique requirements and constraints

2. Assess the risk - analyze how the change affects a specific use case

3. Plan strategically - consider long-term implications in development plans

4. Seek support - consult with Pimcore experts and partners

Controversies related to POCL should not overshadow the value that Pimcore still offers. At the same time, organizations should make informed decisions, fully understanding both the benefits and limitations of the new licensing model.

Summary

Changing the license from GPLv3 to POCL is more than just a legal formality - it's a strategic decision that affects how Pimcore will be developed, implemented, and used in the future. Although every license change raises questions and challenges, POCL seems to be a well-considered response to the real needs and challenges faced by both the creators and users of the platform.

For most organizations, the benefits of transitioning to POCL - such as greater legal certainty, business flexibility, and better alignment with corporate requirements - significantly outweigh the costs associated with adapting to the new license. At the same time, as we demonstrated in the section on practical aspects of POCL, proper preparation and collaboration with experienced partners can significantly facilitate the transformation process.

In a dynamically changing technological landscape, the ability to adapt is key to success. Pimcore with a POCL license seems to be better prepared for future challenges, while also ensuring continuity and stability for current users.