Derek Bodner’s Blog

Microsoft execs have made a number of comments recently about the open source development model, including Chief Software Architect Ray Ozzie saying Open Source is a more disruptive competitor than Google, and most interestingly Sam Ramji on the problems with Open Source.

“The other thing I think is missing is implementation of a basic principle of economic fairness. Thousands of developers have put very hard work into building software used by millions of people and companies, yet only a fraction of these developers are rewarded financially. Currently there are perfectly good projects that have been abandoned by their developers despite being used by large corporations. Subsequently the projects fall out of use. This is unnecessary waste that would often be prevented by making it easy for companies to pay the developers directly. I think it’s important to solve this so that the sustainability of open source projects is improved.”

Oh where to begin.

Microsoft commenting about economic fairness. How cute. Microsoft is like a Dinosaur, and the more they try to price gauge their customers, the more they see customers looking for more attractive software options. Believe me, Microsoft is not deeply concerned about the long term viability of Open Source projects (which has already vastly been proven with successes like Red Hat, the Linux Kernel in general, Open Office, BSD’s, et al). And as Microsoft tries to sell 8 different versions of Windows to get the most out of each customer, they continue to miss the obvious feasibility of software as a service. The fear that another software model is succeeding eats at them. Is it really that hard to pay developers if you enjoy their work? No. Most Open Source apps have a donate link on their website.

And, you know, that whole thing about developing software because you love what you’re doing is lost on the corporate culture that is Microsoft. Development isn’t solely a cash cow for all developers. Some actually enjoy it as well.

More importantly, the FUD that he’s stating in there is undeniable. “Projects have been abandoned by their developers”, as if this doesn’t happen with proprietary software. Do we need to go through the list of Microsoft software that’s no longer supported by Redmond? Or that’s failed altogether?

I love when I hear/read people say Open Source will never be more than a hobbyists toy, or that companies will never trust Open Source software. It’s like people only pay attention to Desktop development, and ignore the multitude of devices they use EVERY DAY powered by open source software, including the millions of websites/routers/firewalls etc powered by Linux/BSD. Or the Handheld devices. The TiVo’s they use. Chances are, you use Open Source software every day without knowing it. Open Source software won’t succeed? Too bad. It already has.