Re: Say it ain't so Rhat

[Bruce Smith <bruce@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> The open source model that has brought Redhat to where it is now is that you
> can make open source code and still make money on it by excelling in areas
> such as training and customer service. Robert Young spent an entire chapter
> explaining that in the book I read.
> 
> The reason customers return to Redhat instead of going somewhere less
> expensive is for a few simple reasons, Redhat's strong reputation and name
> recognition.  Redhat's advantage will be that when people want quality stuff
> they go to Redhat.
> 
> I will admit that the install wizard is not a big deal. However, in the
> future Redhat might decide that they could make more money if maybe they
> made the RPM proprietary software. It is an advantage for other companies to
> use the Redhat Package Manager. It tells customers that Redhat is doing
> something right if other companies are using their technology.
> 
> Even though the average computer user could not decipher source code from
> Egyptian Hieroglyphics in the long run it is an advantage to them. With
> proprietary software the customer becomes boxed in and must rely on that
> company for help.
> 
> ITS THE LAZY WAY TO FORCE THE CUSTOMER TO KEEP COMING BACK.

I agree.  

If Redhat ever started making more software proprietary, they stand 
a very good chance of hurting their bottom line.  I believe a lot 
of local Redhat customers would jump ship to another distribution.
I certainly would.  I think (hope? :) Redhat understands that.

If I can't distribute their distribution anymore, then BSware will
become SuSE or Debian (or something else) based.

--------------------------------------------
Bruce Smith                bruce@armintl.com
System Administrator / Network Administrator
Armstrong International, Inc.
Three Rivers, Michigan  49093  USA
http://www.armstrong-intl.com/
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