IDC: Teaching Penguins to Fly

[ Thanks to Terry Nelson for this link.
]

“The emergence of the Linux operating system from the open
source sea has challenged established rules and business models for
software development and distribution.”

“The complexity of Linux also challenges potential users who
want to install, modify, and maintain the OS. How can Linux support
and training service providers keep the open source faith, flatten
the learning curve, and raise their own revenues? The fates of some
Linux distributors may hinge on solving this equation.”

“Members of open source communities are used to freely helping
one another to solve technical problems. This distributed model of
self-help breaks down as Linux slips into user organizations, where
IT managers may have few connections to the corps of coders and may
have little input beyond bug reports to give back to the
movement.”

“Consequently, the need for organized Linux support (such as
help desks, customization, and system management tools), will
certainly expand. While it’s not a major market at the moment
(estimated at $56 million for 2001), Linux support revenue will
increase to $285 million in 2004, a compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 86.9%.”

Complete
Story