Good points Gavin.  I wonder what Netscape will say their
motive for doing this is.  Also, isn't Mosaic's source
code available for free?

[log in to unmask]
Charles Finley, Open-Ended Systems Corp
310-957-2200

----------
> From: Gavin Scott <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Netscape to give away it's client software
> Date: Thursday, January 22, 1998 12:16 PM
>
> Charles writes:
> > Microsoft is in for some serious competition.
> > With source code, it will be possible for
> > "everyone" with a better idea to enhance
> > the Netscape browser.
>
> And "everyone" will be able to find all the security holes in the
> product now.  If Communicator 5.0 source is given out, there is a
> very good chance that new and critical security holes will be
> discovered that might affect every prior release of the software
> as well, causing the security of the net to fall apart overnight.
> > Such cooperation
> > is what I believe is the true secret of the Apple II,
> > and therfore, Apple Corporation's original sucess.
> > A similar thing happened to IBM with the original
> > PC, they were extremely open with information
> > on how to interface with the thing.
>
> Assuming Netscape can keep enough control in order to prevent a
> total free-for-all of customized, unstable, and incompatible Navigator
> implementations.
>
> Netscape's success will depend on its *stability* as a development
> platform, and I don't see today's announcements (mostly the free
> source code issue) as improving things.
>
> G.