The Simple Economics of Open Source

[Richard Hale]

In article <1255108931-9171946 at hypernet.com>, gmcm at hypernet.com says...
> If that were the model, we'd all be using Apples. MS got where 
> they are by outmanuvering IBM and DR. If Gary Kildall had 
> been willing to play hardball with a bunch of IBM suits, the 
> world would be quite different.
> 
> 
> 
You must mean "play ball".

Kildall "played hardball" much to his (past) regret.  He missed the 
appointment with IBM suits and left his wife to greet them.  He wanted 
lawyers and contracts and a too favorable deal.

Gates on the other hand took risks and "played ball" on IBM's terms.  No 
lawyers, no complicated contracts or deals.  He offered a system he 
didn't have (bought it afterward for $50,000 from ? Mountain View ? 
software).  Then, he out-maneuvered the IBM suits and ended up with all 
the marbles.

CP/M was the OS "monopoly" of its day.  A perfect illustration of how 
success breeds failure and how every trend has within it the seeds of its 
own destruction.

It must be Microsoft's turn now!?

Richard