Converting an Open Source Project into a Business?

Yaztromo asks: "I'm about to try to make the jump and move my jSyncManager Project from being a time-consuming hobby into a full-time business. I'm hoping to follow the model of other successful Open Source businesses by selling integration, development services and support contracts. Has anyone in the Slashdot community attempted to move their Free/Open Source projects from hobby to business? What were the special challenges or obstacles faced?"

Comments

Special challenges.

[torpor]

What were the special challenges or obstacles faced?

Finding customers. NEVER underestimate how important this is to the success of your company.

All other problems, and yes there are many with relation to OSS in general, are insignificant.

So many startup guys get rolling, only to be void of life 4 months later because they weren't daily working on getting clients on board who will pay the bills and provide lifeblood to the rest of the company.

Sounds obvious, but I just wanna point it out before it gets lost in the /. responses ... Work *hard* on finding yourself customers, harder than you want to, even ...