Ask HN: How much does open source play a role when choosing a software?

even if its far worse than a comparable proprietary solution ... as long as it fits my use-case :))

but don't get me wrong: there are a lot of use-cases out there which are best solved with proprietary products - and that's absolutely ok ;))

and especially as a company i should pay in one form or another for either solution!!

as a private person this is optional for me: but no FOSS-project will reject a donation or an order of some of its merchandise - if available ;)

just my 0.02€

Developer tools are supported well enough by open source.

Business software is less so.

How important is support and continuity and longevity? Source code is the only support Open Source really offers. If you get something more --- good for you but typically there is no obligation or commitment made in this regard. Even if you get one, it's longevity is suspect. It's really easy to walk away from a software product when it's not paying it's own way.

Most people looking to invest and build a business expect somewhat more than Open Source offers for "business critical" software. And many of these people are not in the software business and don't want to be.

Of course as long as there's a $X/mo cloud version available I'll almost always go with the hosted. But knowing that in case xyz startup goes bankrupt I could maintain the service myself is a great safety net.