Mark Blafkin from ACT reviews a recent industry discussion highlighting the joint presence of proprietary and FOSS technologies in the digital ecosystem. Blafkin notes one IBM technologist stating: "the combination of the bazaar model and the cathedral model drive innovation to a much higher degree than either would alone."

Right, innovation benefits from different kinds of development-business models. Yet often, this point is distorted by FOSS proponents who argue that FOSS should over-ride its proprietary counterparts, and therefore intellectual property rights lose importance. But the mere viability of FOSS development-business models does not render traditional proprietary models obsolete.

Too frequently, FOSS is positioned as a phenomenon that will displace proprietary models. This view conflicts with developments in the industry. Organizations that adopt FOSS business channels have shown no inclination to abandon their patent backed P&Ls. If FOSS could replace proprietary innovation, IBM would have jettisoned its more traditional revenue streams years ago. Instead, IBM has continued, and even increased, its investments into patented technologies.

While some technologists may jump and throw their fist in the air for the right to tinker with FOSS, consumers must be cautious of policy recommendations that favor FOSS at the expense of proprietary innovation. Consumers have already indicated their limited benefit from FOSS, and their policy views should follow their technology adoption.

posted by Noel Le @ 8:38 AM | Free Culture Movement

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