Redis has reverted to an open source licensing model with the introduction of the GNU Affero General Public License (AGPL) for Redis 8, following criticism of its previous Server Side Public License (SSPL). While this shift aims to satisfy the open source community, some developers still find the AGPL too restrictive, and alternatives to Redis are being considered by many users.

Redis has switched its licensing from SSPL to AGPLv3, which has been a topic of internal discussion for some time. The author expresses satisfaction with this change, emphasizing the importance of open-source software in their work and the community's acceptance of Redis as an open-source project. Redis 8 has been released under the new license, featuring numerous improvements.

The author reflects on a busy day that included a long walk on Mount Etna and releasing a blog post about the AGPL license switch. They discuss the importance of software distribution, the community's response to the licensing changes, and the evolving understanding of open source software, highlighting the need for diverse options such as Redis and ValKey for users with different requirements.

Valkey, a fork of the Redis in-memory database, has released version 8.1 a year after its inception, with co-maintainer Madelyn Olson focusing on stability and community inclusivity as they prepare for version 9. Following Redis's shift to a more restrictive license, Valkey has introduced new features and performance improvements while seeking to provide long-term support for users. Olson emphasizes the importance of community involvement to avoid burnout and ensure the project's success.