Open Source Business
description
Transcript of Open Source Business
Open Source
Business
The Open Source Business Model
The open source business model is the concept of
establishing a profitable business based on the
principles of open source software.
But I don't think that's where the social and political issues arise.
Those arise where the computers are visible to the user as
computers.,We can load software into them. We have thus the
possibility of sharing and, changing software. And then it
becomes a significant question whether we are allowed to do so
or whether we are blocked from doing so.-Richard Stallman
What is open Source
The right to fork is inherent in the fundamental software freedoms common to all open source software. A new fork in development does not start from scratch, but continues to build on the resources of the project available up until the time of the fork. -http://www.usemod.com/cgi-bin/mb.pl?RightToFork
Open source means that the source code of a program is readily available to the
public and that it can and is encouraged to be changed to better the software.
In this sense, developers from different companies and organizations can come
together and add new features to a program that the companies collectivity want.
The whole idea behind open source is that the developers will put their changes
or patches back into the community so everyone can benefit, or to “fork” and
create new open source projects (eg. Debian Linux into Ubuntu!)
Open source initiative
There are many open source companies out there doing great stuff.
But how do they make any money?
How do they gain a user base with all the FUD going around.
Why is this business model so smart?
Free software alone does not produce any
revenue.
So, many open source companies give the
option to buy with added support.
Along with advertisements on their website,
many users will donate to keep their favorite
programs of operating systems up and running.
“There is nothing wrong with wanting pay for work, or seeking to maximize one's
income, as long as one does not use means that are destructive.”
Richard Stallman
Why buy?“Because we've found that an open environment is not only the best way
to build technology, but the best way to spur innovation across our
industry.”-?
“That's where Red Hat comes in. We deploy, integrate, update, manage,
train, support. Just as we do for companies like Amazon.com, Credit
Suisse First Boston, DreamWorks, Reuters, Lehman Brothers. When
companies look to Linux, they look to us. We make Linux predictable.”
–Redhat
Thanks to Mr. Gates, we now know that an open Internet with protocols anyone can implement is communism; it was set up by that famous communist agent, the US Department of Defense. -Richard Stallman
Microsoft spreads a lot of Fear Uncertainty and
Doubt about open source, saying that their
software is better because you pay for it.
One way open source companies get past FUD
is case studies that they will publish in news
journals and on slashdot!!
Another FUD busting tactic is to spread facts
about themselves compared to Microsoft.
Smarter that Microsoft.
Some may argue that Microsoft has some of the
smartest and most devious business tactics.
But open source has something they don't
Free developers! The community develops and
tests a lot of the software and the company
does not have to pay them a dime.
and they have a license that almost guarantees
the developers to give their changes back.
Vista vs Ubuntu
Rupert Goodwins stated in a Zdnet article he wrote that he chooses to do most of his work in Ubuntu.
Rupert goodwins has 7 computers and one of those seven has a huge spy-ware application on it called Vista.Three have XP(Vista's little brother), two have Ubuntu 7.10( the newest edition) and the last one uses an older version of Ubuntu 6.06.
“...My XP systems...My Ubuntu boxes, I love...”-Rupert Goodwins
He says that ubuntu was a very stable OS and that everything worked right and it even detected the Zdnet
printer without trouble
“Then there's the work Ubuntu computer, on which I do just about everything when I'm in the office” Rupert Goodwins
Wal-Mart Endorsing Open Source?
Wal-mart has started Selling PC's that feature the
open source OS, Linux(Ubuntu). Wal-mart has
never sold any open source products, until now
they have sold “big-brand” computers which
used Windows. The new computers are going
for less than $200 and are sporting a custom
version of Ubuntu specially sold at Wal-Mart.
What is the TC502 gPC?
A pc that supports a custom version of Linux's
Ubuntu operating system for under $200.
Tech Specs include 1.5 ghz cpu, 512mb of
RAM, 80gb of hard drive with DVD burner, and
using Open Office. Is small hardware snugged
in a large case to appeal to Wal-Mart
customers.
Mandriva beats Microsoft
Nigeria has used mandriva, an open source
linux distribution for it's schools computers.
Microsoft got to the company providing the
computers (Technology Support Center) and
somehow plans to wipe the Linux boxes and
replace them with XP surfaced.
But open source prevailed when the
government squashed these plans.
Open source learning
The victory for open source in Nigeria will
produce a better understanding of open source
and free software.
As well as exposure of open source to the
children and teachers using the computers.
This will hopefully bring forth a new generation
of open source supporters.
you tube time.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is threatening
Linux users with IP lawsuits.
Saying that Red Hat violates some of
Microsoft's ridiculous software patents, and IP
restrictions.
Red hat's “Open Source Assurance is an
intellectual property warranty, a promise by Red
Hat to replace its software if there is an
intellectual property issue”.
“Fighting patents one by one will never eliminate the danger of software patents, any more than swatting mosquitoes will eliminate malaria.”
- Richard Stallman
Why doesn't Microsoft reveal which patents are
being violated?
Why doesn't Microsoft go ahead and sue the
pants of of Linux?
Why doesn't the CIS 197 class create a bot net
and crash Microsoft's servers