You're being stupid, as per usual. You are assuming that it's only software companies that would contribute developers to an Open Source project, which is simply not true. Take a hypothetical example - banks often have large IT departments and a good number of developers. It makes sense for a bank for their developers to work on Open Source e-commerce software suites, as the bank doesn't have to assume all the costs of development or QA onto themselves. The software itself is a tool for their business, not the business itself - by embracing Open Source, they have just cut costs, and have subjected the software to a lot more eyes checking for bugs by putting the development, rather than by sticking to the proprietary model.
I don't expect such facts or such logic to move you off your worship of the throne of Bill, but this is actually what is happening. The Economist ran an article about this a couple of months ago.
Ivan
No I'm just aware that most open source programmers who are getting paid to program work for software companies, and not banks like you dream in your fantasy. Many of them don't tell their paying employer about it either, and are actually stealing the time they contribute. Wake up to the facts pal.
Take a hypothetical example - banks often have large IT departments and a good number of developers. It makes sense for a bank for their developers to work on Open Source e-commerce software suites, as the bank doesn't have to assume all the costs of development or QA onto themselves. And I'm just waiting for somebody, maybe Apple or maybe a bank, to turn OpenOffice into something that matches or surpasses MS Office in a way that no one can dispute.
When that happens, well, at least Bill still has Xbox.