> How many companies use free compilers (gcc) and/or free editors
> (emacs) for their day to day work? Or free newsreaders (tin). Agreed,
> any free software could be worth every penny you paid for it, but
> being free does not a priori mean that it is bad.
 
I noticed one interesting event following the unbundling of Image.
Several software vendors, who were porting their wares to UNIX, decided
to (a) buy the source to simple PC database systems, (b) hack in
some reliability and (c) portability between UNIX and MPE to (d) replace
their dependancy on Image.  Though not suited for high volumes, they
do offer some interesting possibilities for multi-platform utilities.
 
BTW, does Gnu have a DBMS, and if not, would one of the brave vendors
above consider donating their converted code to the CSL?
 
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Guy Smith                                Voice:  804-527-4000 ext 6664
Circuit City Stores, Inc.                  FAX:  804-527-4008
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The thoughts expressed herein are mine and do not reflect those of my
employer, or anyone with common sense.