Open source suppliers and demand

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A matter of degree

We differ only as a matter of degree John.

It's not for you or me to decide how much emphasis will be put on OSS. We have our respective opinions but the market will decide. The only real question is will it be a free and open market or will it be controlled.

I have no problem with commercial software. I buy it where I need it and find an acceptable value. In fact I am willing to pay for needed commercial apps which offer value. Are you defining "value" as "what people are willing to pay"? That would be acceptable so long as there were real choice involved. Granted, because I am aware of OSS/Linux and because I have the knowledge and ability to compile source I have real choice. But does the average consumer have choice when a monopoly exists which also controls major distribution chains? When the average joe walks into a Best Buy or a Circuit City their "choice" is limited to Windows or Windows. True value cannot be determined in the absence of choice.

I believe my statements to be correct John.
"As GNU/Linux/OSS gains market share more paid programmers will be needed not less."

Not only programmers for OSS projects but for in-house work and, to clarify, many for commercial software companies. To make it clear, as open-source OS's become more widely used those new users are going to be closer to average consumers. Consumers who now buy commercial software and will continue to do so as long as that commercial software offers features and innovation that justify the cost. These commercial software companies will need programmers regardless of the OS they are porting to.

As far as value goes, I use a Linux distro for which I paid $89.99. This distro includes many applications which suit my needs well including Open Office. A retail Winxp pro box runs approx. $299 and does not include an office suite. Because I am aware of what is offered and have real choice, in my mind the true value of Winxp pro is far less than what they are asking.

Without the monopoly forces now in play in the current software market, Windows would be much less expensive and would be priced in accordance with it's true value.

OSS and open source OS's are not a threat to commercial software companies. They are an expansion of opportunities for these companies as long as they willing to innovate and offer true value. I can see however how OSS/GNU/Linux is a threat to MS. Look at the big picture John. How much has Windows really imporoved or innovated in the almost 10 years (an eternity in the computer world) since Win95? Not very much when one looks at the big picture. But MS has managed to put $50bil. in the bank and this is due in part to the fact that they were the only game in town.

True value can be measured only where real choice is a factor in a free market.

Posted by: Tim Patterson   Posted on: 05/19/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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