Roy Schestowitz wrote:
> |
> | Everybody starts somewhere, however, and just as the cost and performance
> | benefits of open-source operating systems such as Linux gradually
> | changed people's perceptions, open-source routing could well follow
> | along the same path.
> `----
>
There is no real difference in commercial deployment of OSS software
versus deployment of proprietary software in terms of support and
promotion costs. The difference lies in the use of unpaid volunteers
to do actual code development and, in a more limited sense, QA testing.
OSS projects count on the continued good will and interest of the
developers to ensure product continuity and rely on the notion that
some new group of volunteers will pop up and shoulder the load in the
event of the disappearance of the original developer or team.
That gives OSS somewhat of a cost advantage over proprietary software,
where the development is performed by paid personnel, but doesn't help
at all when it comes to a need for guaranteed support and future
development. Furthermore, it doesn't provide for any conventional
promotional activity using advertising and sales calls. "No bucks, no
Buck Rogers" was the early thoughts about manned space exploration and
it applies equally to the idea of OSS, which is relegated to some kind
of word of mouth and meager promotion effort due to lack of sufficient
funds to do this effectively.
People who rely on proper function and continued product improvement
are willing to pay for it. OSS cannot offer any guarantees.
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