“For a Linux company about to go public, the open-source
programming community is a double-edged sword.“
“The hordes of programmers not only collectively created the
Linux system, they also provide an effective channel to spread the
all-important buzz about an upcoming initial public offering. But
at the same time, a Linux company must worry about giving those
same developers a piece of the IPO action.”
“VA Linux Systems, expected to go public next Friday, is an
example. The firm sent a letter to about 3,000 Linux developers
inviting them to participate in the company’s imminent IPO, a
source familiar with the plan said.”
