“Plotting the overthrow of the world’s largest software
company is no job for a part-time revolutionary, says Miguel de
Icaza, a 27-year-old computer whiz who has tried it.“
“A year ago, he was devising a way to turn the conventional
software industry on its head, but only after his day job as a
systems administrator in Mexico City.”
“Now, with an Innovator of the Year award under his belt from
the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he runs a company that
develops alternatives to some of Microsoft Corp.’s key
products.”
“And he conjures up a day when his so-called open source
software will be better than Bill Gates’ best _ and free. In open
source, the programming instructions that underlie all software are
available for everyone to see and improve. That leads to programs
with lower prices and fewer flaws than proprietary software such as
Microsoft’s, proponents say.”
“de Icaza’s dream has its roots in the enormous technological
needs and limited resources of his native Mexico. But to achieve
it, he moved to this northerly hotbed of technological innovation
to found Helix Code Inc., forsaking his native city and its cuisine
for the cradle of computer science and venture capital.”
“I miss tacos and salsa, and lunch is a poor excuse for eating,”
said the homesick de Icaza. “But we have to form a team, and being
here makes it a lot easier to meet people.”