Mailinglist Archive: opensuse (2773 mails)

[abrahams@xxxxxxxxxxx (Paul W. Abrahams)]

joe lerch wrote:

> On Sat, 11 Dec 1999, you wrote:
>
> > Is this going to be more of a problem as Linux becomes mainstream? I mean,
> > once free software that is no longer? I see Linux distro boxes lining the
> > shelves at computer and book stores. Even Staples. Not just a few boxes either.
> > Almost everyday now I read about some Linux oriented software outfit in the
> > business section of the newspaper. Stock values are escalating. Has Bill and
> > Co. inadvertently given Linux a huge boost? Or am I just dreaming?
>
> There will always be free stuff available, but be prepared to see a lot of
> commercial products if linux ever becomes mainstream. There is no way
> software developers can earn a living on tech support only, they need to receive
> financial rewards to earn a living. However, by keeping the operating system
> "open source" there isn't as much chance for one entity to take advantage
> of inside knowledge of the operating system to stifle it's competition.
>
> Personally, I am looking forward to buying high quality commercial linux
> software. However, this does not mean I will automatically buy any commercial
> products, just because it runs on linux. If a product meets my needs and is
> priced right for what it does, I will purchase it.  I expect and demand the same
> quality as windows users expect from the software they purchase and for a
> similar price , I will not pay twice as much for a linux product that is no
> better than it's windows equivalent.

Perhaps the way it will ultimately go is that the software infrastructure will be
free but the applications won't.   The application vendors will have an economic
interest in maintaining the infrastructure.

Things will get really interesting if DOJ forces Microsoft to split into an
applications piece and an OS piece.  The applications piece will have a strong
economic interest in seeing Linux prosper if it's truly an arms-length separation
like the separation of Ma Bell and the operating companies.

Paul


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