Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

The Business Value of Open Source Examined

Posted by michael on from the intellectual-capital dept.

jg21 writes "'Open source developers have the opportunity to influence technology that is being used by companies and do it on a global scale in a way that cannot occur with any other type of software,' contends Bill Claybrook, writing in the current issue of LinuxWorld. The article is a historical overview of the open source revolution, starting in the 80s with the GNU Project, BSD, and TCP/IP and then moving into the 90s with Red Hat, StarOffice, and coming right into the 21st century with the Ximian Desktop and Sun's Linux-based Sun Java Desktop System."

2 of 192 comments (clear)

  1. Re:That's great and all... by Compholio · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I want to get paid for my effort/time/expertise. I can't afford to be altruistic until I don't have to worry about making mortgage payments any more.

    Some people do programming projects because they enjoy them, not everyone requires payment. Just like some people participate in sports for enjoyment (though in this country that is declining), not everyone requires a 10 mil salary just to play sports.

  2. Only if you follow the licensing business model by MarkEst1973 · · Score: 5, Insightful
    I somehow doubt that the Next Big Thing in software will be something that would require selling of licenses to change the internet.

    I think Google is a fantastic example. They use commoditized hardware and open source software. They built a better mousetrap in a world full of entrenched corporate behemoths.

    The Next Big Thing will come from someone enterprising who can use the tools and open internet standards to create the next Google. You won't have to worry about selling licenses if that person is you.