Mozilla posts record financial results
Open-source darlings and Firefoxdeveloper Mozilla has posted record financial results this week, reporting increasedrevenues up five-per cent on the previous financial year.
It seems like the recession haspassed the Firefox devs by, with Mozilla reporting an annual revenueof $78.6 million for the 2008 financial year.
The Mozilla Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of not-for-profit(and tax-exempt) Mozilla Foundation.
Google cash-generator
A great deal of Mozilla’s cash is generated through search deals withGoogle, in addition to investments and donations made by individuals to theMozilla Foundation – which has led many to question the sustainability of itsbusiness model, as Google tightens its focus on the development of its ownChrome browser and OS.
Mozilla has a full-time staff of around 200 people and its total assetsat the end of 2008 were $116 million, (which includes $22 million set aside ina tax reserve fund in 2005 pending the outcome of an ongoing IRS investigationof Mozilla’s tax status for 2004 and 2005).
Basically, the IRS is questioningthe tax-exempt status of the Mozilla Foundation, with the possible outcome thatthe organisation could find itself reclassified as a private foundation. Thatparticular tax investigation is ongoing.
Uncomfortable competition
Mozilla chairperson Mitchell Baker posted the following blog entrycelebrating the latest financial results:
“2008 was another exciting and robust year for Mozilla… Our scopeof activities continued to grow, our community of committed contributors andusers expanded, our geographical diversity deepened, and our effect onincreasing openness, participation, innovation and individual empowerment inInternet life is significant.”
“Competition, while uncomfortable, has benefited Mozilla, pushingus to work harder,” noted Baker. “Mozilla and Firefox continue toprosper, and to reflect our core values. We expect these competitive trends tocontinue, benefiting the entire Web.”
Google has recently extended its current contract with Mozilla to 2011.
Via Ars Technica
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Source: Techradar – Internet & Web
