[Linux-aus] The Great Debate 28 May 2007 - Linux vs Windows

[Brenda Aynsley]

Kim Hawtin wrote:
> On 5/10/07, Jeff Waugh <jdub at perkypants.org> wrote:
>> <quote who="Pia Waugh">
>>> Microsoft & Commercial Software VS Linux & the Open Source World
>>               ^ Grr. My FLOSS work is FIERCELY commercial! :-)
> 
> how come the ACS can not get their heads around the concept of
> "using the right tool for the job"?
> 
> nor do ACS memebers seem to be able to comprehend that
> commercial software developers can and do release open source software.


hmmm it seems ACS is in good company in choosing to use such language.

Con Zymaris on the OSIA list points us to the Forrester Consulting 
report on Open Source Software's Expanding role in the Enterprise
 
http://www.unisys.com/eprise/main/admin/corporate/doc/Forrester_research-open_source_buying_behaviors.pdf

and in the Executive Summary it says, not once but twice in quick 
succession:

"Once evaluated by companies, open source software is frequently
adopted and has taken its place alongside *commercial* software, often 
without regard to the ways in which it is different. In this study, more 
than half the companies that are using open source are using in for 
mission critical applications. However, because there are differences 
between open source and *commercial* software, customers want their 
concerns about open source software addressed before they incorporate 
open source more completely in their IT portfolios."  [my emphasis*]

I guess it just demonstrates the less than accurate way we use language 
today.  We all know what is meant by this language and I think its clear 
what point is being made.

If any of you want to demonstrate your anti-ACS sentiments then by all 
means do so, but please do it on the basis of the ACS today and not 
notions or experiences of last century.

cheers
brenda



-- 
Brenda Aynsley, FACS, PCP
Director Oz Business Partners http://www.ozbusinesspartners.com/
Mobile:+61(0) 412 662 988 || Skype: callto://baynsley
Phone:08 8357 8844  Fax:08 8272 7486 Nodephone:08 7127 0107

Chairman Pearcey Foundation, SA Committee www.pearcey.org.au
Immediate Past Chairman ACS SA Branch www.acs.org.au/sa