"'Mezick's Theorem' states that open source dominance is the last phase in the lifecycle of all mature horizontal software markets. The Linux phenomenon has many scratching their heads. Just why is it that Linux does not go away? Why exactly is it successful? How can such a 'non-product' triple its market share in just one year? It continues to baffle industry 'experts' because the dynamics are just beginning to actually emerge. But the true picture is taking shape--and the contours of the future regarding software markets is becoming much more clear. The lessons of Linux provide the roadmap for the future.
"The legal foundation of Linux usage is the General Public License (GPL), which grants the user certain legal rights and in return, imposes certain key obligations. Chief among these is the obligation to provide the source code of any derivative works--to anyone who asks.
"The GPL license is at the heart of Linux success. Understand the GPL, and you understand not just Linux dynamics, but also the likely future of the entire software business..."
