Freshmeat: A New Business Plan for Free Software

“The PC with a fast Internet connection and a static IP is
becoming a common sight in homes, but techno-ignorant customers
don’t understand the risks involved in owning one. I believe that
by combining this with the fact that most people don’t want to be
responsible for maintaining their systems, a whole new workplace
could be created for people with UNIX knowledge. Today, I’ll
explain why I think we should unblur the distinction between users
and admins, and suggest a new way to make money with Free
Software….”

“Here’s what I long ago thought was an obvious question and
a need I expected to be filled by now: Everyone is selling support;
why isn’t anyone selling administration?“

“Support to the generally clueful is already a solid industry;
the “no support” argument has been massacred to hell and back, and
no one can raise it with a straight face anymore in a world with
companies like Linuxcare….”

Complete
Story