I am subscribing via a Totara Partner. Why do I still have to sign a Product Maintenance Subscription Argeement with Totara Learning Solutions?

Totara subscriptions are for a service, provided by Totara Learning Solutions (TLS), that include code support and maintenance, security updates, error correction, patch updates and a continuing stream of new innovations supported by our team. TLS has standard terms and conditions for the provision of these services. If you want the on-going benefit of Totara services, then a subscription agreement is mandatory. Partners offer a wide range of value-added additional services such as implementation services, consultancy, training, theme design, hosting and facilities management, customisation and content services.

Q.

Why isn’t there a free public download?

There is, and it’s great software. It’s called Moodle and can be downloaded here.

It is a common misunderstanding that by extending a GPL application with more GPL features that we should have a public, free (free as in “free beer”) download. Totara Learning Solutions and our partners offer a commercial open source service. We do not have a public community offering and to do so would detract or even be seen as a fork of the Moodle community. We don't want that. We are proud to contribute and be part of the Moodle community.

Totara is a distribution of Moodle with a value-added services component including code support and maintenance, security updates, error correction, patch updates and a continuing stream of new innovations supported by our team. The Totara service is supported via product subscriptions.

Please also read our Moodle Policy.

One of the reasons we went with open source is that it does not lock us into a specific company for upgrades or ongoing support.  Can you please tell me what the agreement is with Totara.  If we install it and use your support for a year or two and then decide not to are we able to continue to use the product?

This question sits at the core of our business philosophy of providing freedom and peace of mind. It is central to why we offer something truly transformative in the corporate learning technologies marketplace. 

As outlined here “we fully believe in software freedom including the guarantee of liberty from a single vendor”. Firstly, our global network of Totara Partners provides a choice of vendors and vendor neutrality. You can switch vendor without switching platform. Secondly, you can subscribe directly. Many organizations do this as they have the skills in-house or a favoured technology partner.

On top of this wide range of choice, you enjoy further freedoms that come with open source technology. Totara Subscriptions ensure you have the latest security releases, patch updates, fully tested new feature releases, and error correction when required. Our growing customer base agrees that the value we offer with the subscription service is highly beneficial and cost effective. However, you’re not obligated to continue with your subscription to continue to use the installation you have. You may continue to use the product, customise it, extend it etc. – these are fundamental open source freedoms.