Python is free? Who pays to support it?

Many people are surprised to learn that Python is free. Free to use, free to share. Inevitably, the question arises as to who pays so that we need not. The list is long and distinguished:

• Active Grid
• ActiveState, a founding member of the Python Software Foundation Sponsors
• Advanced Simulation Technology Inc. (ASTi)
• Array BioPharma, Inc.
• BizRate.com
• CCP Games.
• Enthought, Inc.
• Google
• Hostway Corporation
• IronPort Systems
• O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
• Open Source Applications Foundation
• Opsware, Inc.
• Strakt Holdings, Inc.
• ZeOmega, LLC.
• Zope Corporation, a founding member of the Python Software Foundation Sponsors

Unlike other programming languages which must be bought from their producers, Python remains free and open thanks to these supporters and those who donate to the Python Software Foundation.
If you would like to learn more about Python, read my brief discussion under "What is Python?". If you would like to learn it, you have come to the right place.