Perens: IT pros must lobby for open-source
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| IT pros, do you want open-source software (OSS) developer Bruce Perens to lose his house and car? If not, then speak up! Perens believes that IT managers have the clout to make their vendors help protect open-source software and its developers. As an open-source pioneer, Perens wrote the opening salvo in the OSS movement: "The Open Source Definition." He has created and worked on many open-source advocacy teams, including Open Source Initiative, the Linux Standard Base, Software in the Public Interest Inc., and No-Code International. He persuaded Prentice Hall PTR publishers to put out a series of books about open-source technologies, and he serves as series editor. Now it's time for corporate IT managers to put on their evangelical robes, Perens said. In a one-on-one interview with SearchEnterpriseLinux.com, he explained why it's the right time and high time for IT pros to become lobbyists. |
Why do you think that corporate IT managers should act as lobbyists, persuading major vendors to support open-source?
Perens: It is in IS managers' interest for open-source software to remain viable. The risk is for the entire industry, from top to bottom. Intellectual property issues will affect small and medium-sized businesses just as much as large companies. It's time for the open-source community to push back. IBM and HP are doing great business for Linux and open-source software, but we need their help. So we need corporate IS managers to talk with them about these issues.
What's the biggest risk to the continued viability of open-source software?
Perens: Software patents. Open-source developers are happy to keep writing software, but we do need companies like IBM and HP that have been our friends to help us with the issues surrounding software patents. I have developed OSS independently, on my own time. I am at risk, technically, from software patent holders. I think we need some change there. I would prefer not to lose my house, my car, due to a legal action against me.
Read full article at - Search Linux Enterprise
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