Gluecode Software

About Gluecode Software

Gluecode Software operated as a privately held startup based in El Segundo, California, specializing in open-source application infrastructure software. The company's business model centered on providing software and support services through a managed open-source framework. This approach provided enterprise clients with source code access, technical support at the source-level, and service-level agreements.

The company's core product, named "Joe," was a suite of Java server products built upon the Apache Geronimo project, a Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) application server. This product portfolio included an application server, a portal, a database, and a workflow server. Gluecode's revenue was generated through subscription-based support and updates, a model that was gaining traction among open-source software companies at the time. This strategy targeted small and midsize businesses that were increasingly utilizing free open-source development tools and paying for ongoing service contracts.

In May 2005, Gluecode Software was acquired by International Business Machines (IBM) for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition was a strategic move for IBM to expand its WebSphere product line to cater to smaller organizations and individual developers, a market segment where it had a limited presence. By integrating Gluecode, IBM aimed to compete more effectively with rivals like JBoss and BEA Systems by offering a lower-cost, open-source alternative. The acquisition also brought the expertise of Gluecode's employees, including individuals active in the open-source community like Geir Magnusson Jr., a member of the Apache Foundation. All 18 Gluecode employees were integrated into IBM's software group.