“You’d think money wouldn’t come into it with Linux. After all
you don’t pay to use the system. But a lot of money has been riding
on the exploitation of Linux. The money making scheme touted by
Linuxcare seems not to be delivering the goods, showing up some
interesting features of the Linux market. And the nature of the
open software movement seems to engender some strange
attitudes.”
“The Linuxcare theory was that booming use of the operating
system would suck in support and training services. Ambitious
growth plans have now turned sour, though, as the CEO leaves the
company along with a quarter of the staff and the public offering
of shares is put on hold. Accusations are flying, including claims
of high levels of spending and too much attention to the share
offering to the detriment of building a sound business.”
“The outcome raises questions about the nature of the Linux
market. The open source movement looks capable of delivering
software without charge, but it is clear the same cannot be done
with services. Linux has grown rapidly in popularity,
particularly as a platform for appliances, computers dedicated to
one purpose or sometimes a few related purposes. Detractors have
always pointed to the lack of professional services to back up the
use of Linux.”