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.
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