[Gllug] Discussion: Is Enterprise Linux a lock-in

[Bruce Richardson]

On Tue, Jan 20, 2004 at 09:04:49AM +0000, Simon wrote:
> Some of the points raised in the article.
> 
> 1. RMS suggested that "all the companies that distribute GNU\Linux also
> distribute non-free software, which is unethical. Some even develop
> non-free software which is worse"

Most users of Free Software don't share RMS' hardline position on it,
tending to see it as a desirable and superior way to produce software,
not the only way it should be allowed to be produced.

I don't object to people selling air in cans as long as they don't try
to stop me from breathing the free stuff.

> 
> 2. There was a suggestion in the article that the large recruitment of OSS
> developers by Linux vendors had drawbacks:
> 
> "A drawback of direct commercial involvement [in Linux] is clear.
> Developers who are based within corporations are unlikely to support a
> project that is run by another competitor unless there is material benefit"

The OSS developers tend to take their development culture with them,
rather than becoming establishment stooges.  Even if their skills were
removed from the OSS pool, their existing work cannot be withdrawn and
there are plenty of people willing to step up and take it forward.

-- 
Bruce

Bitterly it mathinketh me, that I spent mine wholle lyf in the lists
against the ignorant.  -- Roger Bacon, "Doctor Mirabilis"
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