On 6 Nov 2003 at 1:37, adam beecher wrote:
However, I can't say too much for planning, accountability and support for end-users - plus free software projects usually deliver
It depends on the project too though, don't you think? I was mulling the particular paragraph you quoted myself when I was reading it and thinking of the PHP project...
Well, in terms of what I said, actually no it doesn't. The only exception I can think of are DARPA funded free software for the planning bit.
project planning
An enormous amount of planning goes on on php-dev, plus there are major PHP conferences now.
Ah but that's ad hoc planning ie; what are the *immediate* issues we should tackle. Very rarely do I hear of free software being studiously planned years into the future like is more common for proprietary.
accountability
This is a difficult one to call. I personally feel that PHP's vast install base creates accountability and major responsibility, but I guess many Chief Something Officers won't see it the same way.
No, they don't. They want someone to sue to satisfy their insurers/shareholders. That is the single biggest reason corporate users have not moved en mass to free software.
version control
This one strikes me as a little odd when you consider just how many projects are stored in CVS. Perhaps CVS isn't considered good enough?
I think they meant that when there are fixed versions with fixed ABI's, it's easier to code for them. Release often release early is good and all, but it's real bitch for downloading prebuilt binaries.
support
And this one is like accountability, I could link to hundreds of sites here. I personally would take community support over "proper" support any day of the week, but I would concede that there's a certain amount of skill involved in seeking it out.
Support for users is VERY lacking. You get none even for Linux for people who don't know the difference between the three mouse buttons. Remember, support is not helping technically aware users, it's helping the unaware.
And that, no coincidentally, is where free software makes most of its money ATM. My big concern with that is it's not long-term viable as someone in India can tell you why the left and right mouse buttons are different cheaper than someone in Ireland.
Cheers, Niall