The Quiet Revolution: How One Developer's Bold Move Is Redefining Open Source Economics

When Henry Catalino implemented corporate device identification in his macOS window management software komorebi, he wasn't just adding another feature—he was conducting a quiet revolution in how independent developers sustain their work. The results, documented in his recent post, offer a compelling case study that challenges long-held assumptions about open source economics and corporate software usage.

The Experiment That Defied Conventional Wisdom

The conventional wisdom in open source circles suggests that any attempt to restrict corporate usage or identify enterprise devices will lead to project abandonment and community backlash. This belief is so deeply ingrained that it often prevents developers from even considering alternative licensing models. Catalino's experiment with komorebi v0.1.39, released on December 10, 2025, directly confronted this myth.

The implementation was straightforward: detect when the software was running on devices enrolled in Mobile Device Management (MDM) systems, which are typically corporate-owned or corporate-controlled devices. For users identified as running the software on educational institution devices or those requiring BYOD MDM enrollment, Catalino added an override system. The approach was transparent, with clear explanations in the README and release notes.

The Numbers Tell a Compelling Story

In just over a month following the rollout, komorebi saw approximately 17,000 downloads of version 0.1.39—a figure consistent with previous releases. More significantly, the project generated 26 new annual Individual Commercial Use License (ICUL) purchases. While 26 might seem modest, these purchases represent over 20% of all active ICUL subscriptions since January 2025.

This revenue surge had a profound personal impact: for the first time since writing the first line of code for komorebi's predecessor Yatta in 2020, Catalino could cover his rent through the project. In an era where AI startups routinely raise tens or hundreds of millions of dollars, this achievement might seem modest. But for an independent developer working outside the traditional startup ecosystem, it represents a significant milestone.

The Human Impact Beyond Revenue

The experiment's success extended far beyond financial metrics. Catalino documented numerous instances where users discovered their personal devices were enrolled in BYOD MDM systems without their knowledge—a revelation that sparked conversations about digital autonomy and corporate surveillance. The Discord community formed around komorebi began helping people navigate these situations and reclaim control of their devices.

The interpersonal connections formed through this process were equally valuable. Catalino exchanged emails with students worldwide using his software and corporate users who had recently purchased licenses. The feedback was "unanimously supportive," with one user even proactively reaching out to report a regression in the corporate device identification heuristics so Catalino could fix it.

Challenging the Open Source Mythology

Catalino's experiment builds on themes he explored in his earlier piece "On Open Source Mythology," where he contrasted popular myths about OSI-approved licenses with real-world data from komorebi's experience. The prevailing narrative suggests that projects must use permissive open source licenses to achieve adoption and contributions, and that any attempt to monetize corporate usage will lead to project failure.

The reality, as Catalino demonstrates, is more nuanced. His approach doesn't abandon open source principles but rather creates a sustainable model that respects both individual users and the need for developers to earn a living. This model challenges what he describes as the traditional open source cycle: arbitrarily setting exchange value to zero through fear of social excommunication, watching corporations exploit the use value of works while begging for scraps, and relying on mutual aid from others who are themselves financially precarious.

The Broader Implications for Software Development

Catalino's success suggests a viable alternative path for independent software developers. Rather than choosing between the starvation model of pure open source or the corporate capture model of venture-backed startups, developers can create sustainable businesses that serve both individual users and corporate customers while maintaining ethical standards.

The approach also raises important questions about digital autonomy in an era of increasing corporate surveillance. By making MDM enrollment visible and providing clear paths for legitimate educational use, Catalino's implementation empowers users to make informed decisions about their digital environments.

What's Next: Scaling the Model

Building on this success, Catalino has outlined several next steps. He's exploring ways to improve the override experience for students, planning to make komorebi for Mac public before the end of January 2026 with corporate device identification from the first release, and continuing to work with other independent developers interested in exploring post-open source licensing models.

This last point is particularly significant. Catalino isn't just building a successful product; he's helping to establish a new paradigm for how independent developers can sustain their work while maintaining ethical standards and protecting user autonomy.

A Model for the Future

The komorebi experiment demonstrates that developers don't have to choose between idealism and sustainability. By implementing thoughtful, transparent approaches to corporate identification and licensing, independent developers can create viable businesses that serve both individual users and corporate customers.

In a software landscape dominated by either corporate-controlled open source or venture-backed startups chasing unicorn status, Catalino's approach offers a third way—one that prioritizes sustainable development, user autonomy, and ethical business practices. As more developers experiment with similar models, we may be witnessing the emergence of a new paradigm for independent software development, one that doesn't require sacrificing principles for survival.

For developers considering similar approaches, Catalino's experience offers valuable lessons: transparency builds trust, clear communication prevents misunderstandings, and users often respond positively when they understand the rationale behind licensing decisions. Most importantly, it shows that challenging conventional wisdom can lead to outcomes that benefit everyone involved—developers, individual users, and even corporate customers who gain access to well-maintained, sustainably developed software.

The quiet revolution Catalino has sparked may not make headlines like billion-dollar funding rounds, but its impact on the future of independent software development could prove far more significant.