So, watching Linux install (which may someday enter the lexicon as
synonymous with "watching paint dry", "watching grass grow", or "watching
Gilligan's Island"), I think about Red Hat, Caldera, et al. The software is
available free for the taking, but if you want support, that costs. These
companies hope to fund their work with support moneys. Is it too obvious
where I am going here?

hp decided that support moneys would not go to CSY. CSY ceased to seem
viable, and MPE is slated to go away with it (or will CSY survive the EOL?).
Now, some entity other than CSY gets those support dollars. Presumably, that
entity has other revenue streams, or it, too, will fade away. hp has an
entity that consumes support dollars, perhaps as its primary source of
funding. I haven't tried to think this all the way thru, but it does excite
my curiosity and wonder. I especially wonder what these entities will look
like, as this uncertain future unfolds.

I hope that those who choose to respond will keep their words sweet, in case
they later have to eat them. But I welcome thoughtful speculation about the
possibilities, fears and dreams that this portends.

Greg Stigers
http://www.cgiusa.com

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