Siu Lun

So I was having a daily update on events and happened to come across a article on BCS http://www.bcs.org/server.php?show=conWebDoc.18899. What struck me is not how the public is embracing open-source technology, but the last paragraph that mentions a research study showing the cost of open-source to the industry.

I for one seriously doubt their credentials on that report even before it comes out. I wonder wether they’ve actually considered that there simply isn’t that much money flowing around freely? Simply put – if there was no open-source there would be no cost claims – if there was no open-source people simply would not go and buy a piece of software.

I for one is an example of a person who have been aided by open-source software. I dare say if there was no open-source. I would not be doing what I’m doing today.

The fact is open-source software is encouraging the growth in IT – giving normal people a chance to “experience” software packages they have never heard of before. Additionally giving those who’re interseted in how they work in learning principles, development techniques and such important things that only years and years of experience would give you.

The fact is we owe our credit-crunching defying – zealous growth web and tech industry to open-source. And to a degree – pirates. But that’s talk for another day.