CockroachDB has unveiled a new licensing strategy that permits startups and smaller businesses free access while still profiting from larger corporations able to afford its services.

In the past, CockroachDB offered a free Core version aimed at individuals and startups, alongside a paid Enterprise version designed for larger organizations with features supporting scalability.

Effective from November 18, 2024, the CockroachDB Core will be discontinued. Henceforth, only the CockroachDB Enterprise will be available, free for individual developers, students, and businesses generating less than $10 million annually. Other companies can explore the software with a 30-day free trial.

This update pertains solely to the self-hosted version of CockroachDB, while the cloud-based service will continue without change, according to the company.

According to Cockroach Labs, this change grants access to advanced features, previously exclusive to premium customers, to all users at no cost. These features include cluster optimization, disaster recovery, backup, streaming, and enhanced security measures.

The rationale behind this shift includes two main trends identified over the years: startups and small businesses demonstrating a keen interest in these sophisticated tools unavailable in the Core version, and sizable firms often settling for the limited capabilities of the free Core package instead of utilizing the comprehensive features of the Enterprise edition.

“In consolidating to a single CockroachDB Enterprise offering, we are ensuring that all of our users have access to the full breadth and scope of our product, delivered through a streamlined trial experience. Individuals and small businesses will now benefit from capabilities previously available only to paying customers, but can continue using CockroachDB for free,” Spencer Kimball, CEO of Cockroach Labs, stated in a blog post.

The paid version of Enterprise will continue to offer direct support from Cockroach Labs, while the Free version will provide support through community channels like the Slack channel.

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