Posted on 12/14/2009 10:55:59 AM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Linux and open source middleware JBoss has made its mark in the enterprise, and it is just a matter of time before open source becomes mainstream in other functional parts of the IT infrastructure as well. Where exactly that will happen, however, is the interesting question.
With most companies spending 10 to 20 percent of their revenue on enterprise software, many IT managers would love to see more enterprise-class open source options. However, IT architects and project managers of IT tend to be cautious -- the back office has a low tolerance for risk, which makes it difficult for projects to gain entry into that exclusive back office.
To consider the future of open source in the enterprise, one must consider the past and what it took to make Linux a success. Linux market share continues to grow, and it is considered safe and reliable by even the most risk-averse, but it did not get there via the route traveled by commercially licensed products. The same can be said for JBoss.
In our capitalist society, it has traditionally been financial opportunity that has spurred the development of a product; logic might dictate that the most expensive component would be the first to see competition from an open source product with a lower cost of entry. Open source is different, however, because those that make it happen are not the ones that make an immediate profit from the project. Certainly that is true of Linux, and therefore cost will not necessarily determine the next component to see a viable open source alternative.
(Excerpt) Read more at betanews.com ...
Why stop at software? Why not have everyone give away the product of their work for free?
I have to think this should refer to 10 to 20 percent of "IT budget" on enterprise SW, and even this includes in house DBAs, network admins, configuration and developers.
Any enterprise that spends 10 to 20 percent of revenue on SW licenses and maintenance fees alone would not stay in business long.
A lot of people do in the spirit of volunteering. After that, most developers do it so they can get improvements back from other developers, or because it was just a pet project they didn't feel the need to profit from. Plus a lot of large free software project contributions are from companies who can see a way of profiting off of the software (like IBM).
There are those that think they must get paid for everything they do in life. Not everyone feels that way.
For those that contribute to the OpenSource community, there are, basically, two schools of thought.
1. My world doesn’t revolve around money. I earn what I need, and my contributions help others earn.
2. Experience has taught me that I get back far more “earning power” than I contribute.
I like the fact that there is a place for all in our world. The capitalistic and the altruistic. As we used to say in sales...there’s seat for every azz! LOL
Your screamname fits. hahaha
LOL!
I believe MySQL is installed in more corporations than any other database. Firebird is also very popular. Both are enterprise scale databases that are easy to work with and free. For a price, support is available.
So I don’t think it’s a question of when Open Source databases will become important enterprise tools. They already are.
“Why stop at software? Why not have everyone give away the product of their work for free?”
The companies that have adopted an open source model are frequently very successful selling premium consulting and support. They aren’t forcing anyone to contribute.
I, myself, will not touch anything that carries the GNU General Public License—too dangerous. But most of the sensible open source software uses the lesser public license and it is pretty easy to work with.
You’re right that a number of corps have now “me too-ed” on the idea.
But msot of it is largely the product of volunteer European programmers. I geuss when there are no jobs and you get paid about the same whether you work or not, why not make a name for yourself.
In other industries, they call that “dumping”.
Hey, people can do whatever they want. I’m actually Ok with that.
But I have to say to say most of it that I’ve seen suffers severely in terms of documentation. Nobody enjoys doing that - nor does it accrue much good will, so it never gets done very well.
1) It depresses the need for paid programmers.
2) It usually suffers in terms of documentation.
Like ketchup at McDonalds. Like pens at a trade show. Like that second cup of coffee. Like, like, like FR!!! This communism must be STOPPED!!!!
I get a bit nervous when I see contributors from former soviet bloc countries. I would like to give VNC a spin but I’m afraid of what it migh contain. I wonder how many elance and other job-bid sites are exposing themselves to backdoors because they hired the lowest bidder.
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