CACert (was Re: [Wolves] A day with the boys from GLLUG)

[Shane M. Coughlan]

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Kevanf1 wrote:
> Don't ever forget that just because it's open source does not mean it
> cannot be sold.  There is nothing in the GPL to stop somebody from
> charging for their expertise in putting together a distro along with a
> number of programs.

Correct.  Indeed, many people and projects charge for what they do.  The
FSF charges for books and software on CD to help pay its way.  I would
not see anything wrong with Ubuntu charging for this distribution.
However, I *doubt* that they will because Ubuntu has a charter that
explicitly states that the software will always be free both in price
and in freedom.  Shuttleworth will sell services, not software.  It's
about choosing a different economic model.  Right now it's not
delivering profit, but that is likely to change in time.

> If, Linux does get anywhere near a market share of something like 30
> or 40% just watch Bill Gates suddenly make an announcement.  Microsoft
> Linux, the new and latest distro on the block.

And that will be a *good* thing, because it will mean that our
development models have surpassed the propriety models.  I am sure
Microsoft could contribute a great deal towards Free Software if they
determined it would profit them.

Shane

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Shane Martin Coughlan
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