Open source creates a freer software market
- IT TOPICS:Linux & Unix, Management
I was glad to see some reasoned thinking from Frank Hayes in Our Linux Values. We've all heard so much about about open source as a communal effort, but many people have missed one important point -- open source is creating a freer market for software, and speading our capitalist values in the process.
Open source software is currently in the process of breaking a series of virtual monopolies (I'm sure you can think of at least two or three), remaking the market in the process. With freer competition among software providers, prices will generally be driven lower. Some product categories, such as word processors, are on the path to achieving commodity status, with pricing to match. On a wide scale, the open source model is good for the technology marketplace because it spreads the cost of software development and maintenance.
And what's the benefit? With a freer marketplace comes increased innovation, so we should see offerings in the next few years that are novel by today's standards.
Free Insider Guide