The same process applies to freesoftware. Free software companies rely on lowering the entry >
barrier - ideally no barrier. Closed software
companies must affix a price to their product this cost is a balance between an entry barrier and profitability. The entry of free software has totally screwed this equilibrium.
[snip]
I do agree with the same and alogn with you have seen the gradual metamorphisis but there are certain views of yours where i beg to differ JTD. From a business perspective the transition on this front as you have mentioned has been very slow albeit steady. Its growth is indeed highly important for the entire ecosystem (closed-open) to flourish and for the customer to have a choice in what he wants to buy. In short gone are those days when vendors could shove unsupported closed source applns/operating systems and charge abnominable fees for continuing support. We now see CTO's all across the country considering a mixture of Open and Closed options across all horizontals and verticals they play in.
Which has left the prop companies inside their stockade with a raging inferno outside. Only a matter of time before these companies are burnt to a crispy.
[snip]
My point is there is no "Single Open Source/Free Software Solution" that will serve all needs and the same is true for Close Source propreitary end-to-end stacks from MNC's across the world.
In this day and age as the ilug-bom we should seek to work towards a harmonius ecosystem consisting of both Free Software/Open Source and Closed Source components. Probably one that fosters growth of such small classroom businesses based on sound business models. Be in terms of Venture Capital or possible helping intellectually support/stimulate peer groups that wll inturn mushroom into healthy business models.
Each one is important for the others survival. No man lives as an island you see.The story of David v/s Goliath is indeed a fitting tribute to the FSF/OS movement and i pray it gives us the strength to continually mushroom into a great self sustaing movement.
You indeed brought some good thoughts to bear with your wise words JTD.
Trevor
rgds jtd
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