Josh Thompson

Why Companies Really Turn to Open Source Software

"So long as the tech [browser] was locked down by a single commercial company, we saw very little in terms of real innovation."

The scenario is similar to record labels previously controlling what was released compared to initially pirating and eventually the free for all on youtube, blog sites, itunes, etc.
It does confirms the opening up of a new distribution channel is democratizing to innovation. This process is not unique to software. 15+ years ago I was told that the overnight delivery business model destroyed the concept of a distributorship because products could be shipped directly from the manufacturer.
An unanswered question is why can't a large for-profit company recreate the innovation of open source? The flaw of Open Source is at its core it is saying: "can't we all just work together...who needs self interest?" When MSFT creates the "feeling" of an open source community and a marketplace for that community with Azure developers it will all go back to normal.

Microsoft vs. Open Source: Differences Explained by the Real World

A positive effect of Open source is MSFT almost gives away office pro software to markets that would be very hyper-sensitive to price like college students. They also give away developer and server software to student-developers under their dreamsparks program
There are hyper-sensitive managers also. Eventually the learning curve costs replaces purchase savings, and no peer managers follow the self- appointment open source advocate manager. MSFT still is the winner.

Microsoft, Sun Do Well in Open Source Census

How is it determined if the software was installed but not used. That is, I have software on my PC that I installed in order to try out the software and decided it was not for me. I didn't bother deleting it. This would be more common if the network admin installed the software and I couldn't delete the software even if I wanted to delete it.

The Real Story About Massachusetts's Open Standards Agenda

it would appear that MSFT's competitors tried to do with legislative edict and general BS what they claim MSFT does with its competitive advantages. The hypocrisy would be uninspiring if it weren't simply how it all works.