What changed
Redis announced an AGPLv3 option for Redis 8 in May 2025 alongside RSALv2 and SSPLv1. That does not make every Redis release BSD-licensed or every Redis service open source. Valkey is a separate project using BSD-3-Clause licensing.
IGEARS analysis: two questions need separate answers
First, establish the licence that applies to the exact code and service you plan to use.Read more
Second, test whether your application works with that implementation. A familiar protocol or client name cannot answer either question by itself. Record managed-service features and modules separately from the core server.
A useful compatibility pilot
Use representative requests and an isolated copy of suitable test data.
Supporting detail
- Inventory commands, modules, clients and server versions.
- Compare expiry, eviction, persistence and failure behaviour.
- Test authentication, encryption and recovery procedures.
- Measure acceptable application latency using your own workload.
Choose with an operating plan
Document licensing review, accepted feature gaps, backup ownership and rollback conditions.Read more
Avoid making a migration decision solely from an outdated headline about either project. IGEARS can help assess the workload and implementation options, with specialist review of licence obligations where your proposed use requires it.
Sources and verification
- Redis: AGPLv3 licensing announcement, May 2025 ↗
- Redis: Licence information by release ↗
- Valkey: Official project and licence ↗
Policies and features can change. Verify the current terms and your installed edition before implementation.