InfoWorld: Panelists Consider the ‘Business Case’ for Open-Source

“Two years ago Merrill Lynch executive Robert Lefkowitz became
intrigued with Linux and decided to install the open-source
operating system on his PC at work. The company’s higher powers
took exception to that, and, invoking Merrill Lynch’s policy
against unauthorized software installations, confiscated the
computer. It took Lefkowitz six weeks of explaining to reclaim his
PC. He left Merrill Lynch soon after.

“But then, last year, Merrill Lynch’s executives became
intrigued themselves with the possibilities of open-source software
— and they recruited Lefkowitz to return to the firm as head of
its open-source development.

“Lefkowitz joined executives from IBM and Red Hat Tuesday for a
panel discussion on ‘The Business Case for Open Source Software,’
organized by Manhattan law firm Patterson, Belknap, Webb &
Tyler LLP, whose practice includes work on intellectual property
issues. Around two dozen attendees gathered for the discussion of
how enterprises are using open-source products and the benefits and
challenges those early adopters are encountering…”

Complete Story