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.

IBM Drops Two Bombs on Microsoft

Instead of writing IBM Drops Two Bombs on Microsoft, could you also have said IBM says Two prayers. The article pointed out weaknesses of MSFT and how the competition is trying to play on those weaknesses.

In the comments, I read that MSFT is responding or has already fixed the weaknesses the article described and also pointed out how the Two Bombs are actually recycled ideas.
The Two bombs to drop on IBM is they are recycling their old business model and the price point reflects market weakness.

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 Be Warned: IBM Boards the Open Source Software Express

IBM is embracing Open Source because IBM is in too weak of a market position to even attempt to sell proprietary software. Oh, how the mighty have fallen down the mountain they originally created, and how hard some try to spin the collapse.
P.S. thanks for mentioning Lotus; it was a flashback to the latter 80's and the peanut PC, Charlie Chaplin commercials, etc.