__/ [ BearItAll ] on Thursday 11 January 2007 09:10 \__
> Roy Schestowitz wrote:
>
>> The open source patent war
>>
>> ,----[ Quote ]
>> | The problem for proprietary software companies is that free software
>> | pulls the rug from under traditional software models. By definition
>> | free software is collaborative. Numerous individuals, hardware
>> | companies and academic establishments contribute to the code that
>> | is contained in a Linux distribution, and all have a vested
>> | interest in its success. The customer gains because the software
>> | is free and tends to be more adventurous, versatile and secure.
>> | The only potential loser is the traditional software vendor.
>> `----
>>
>> http://www.itpro.co.uk/features/101743/the-open-source-patent-war.html
>
> They don't have to lose out at all. A lot of Linux applications have a
> commercial side too, OpenSource does not mean that you can not make a
> profit.
>
> If a product is good it will sell, how well it sells only depends on the
> audience your software is intended for. Ok, so it isn't very likly that you
> will make Bill's billions if you released a commercial shell, mind,
> thinking as I type, I suppose the potential is there if you really do come
> up with a winner.
I think the key difference is that you can't /force/ the customer to but
something due to lockins. Many proprietary vendors (note: I don't say
"commericial", which can also be open source) hold their clients hostage.
--
~~ Best regards
Roy S. Schestowitz | Vista - Windows for zombies (and human beings)
http://Schestowitz.com | GNU is Not UNIX | PGP-Key: 0x74572E8E
roy pts/4 Tue Jan 9 06:07 - 06:07 (00:00)
http://iuron.com - proposing a non-profit search engine
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