Saturday, December 11, 1999, 12:54:50 PM, Paula wrote:
> But, are any of these Linux users willing to pay for an application?
There are three types of Linux users. Which group are you referring to?
Group 1: Die hard free (speech) and free (beer) software advocates.
Most likely not. They see supporting anything commercial in the slightest
as the work of Satan himself.
Group 2: Those that prefer Open Source software but will also pay for
commercial offerings if it fits their needs?
Chances are, yes. I mean, I'm all for Open Source software, I think it
actually makes a lot of fiscal sense. However, if there is a niche that Open
Source doesn't fit that commercial does, I have no problems paying for
software. My list includes:
Games (Windows is on my main machine for games)
Quicken98 (Soon to be Quicken2000 with PocketQuicken on the Palm)
The Bat!
Opera
Of course, my list of open source or freeware applications is much larger.
That is because the quality on the free side is there and I am more than
willing to use it since it keeps me legal.
Group 3: Those who buy Red Hat or Corel Linux, then buy other applications,
then buy support, then buy...
IE, the typical Windows user who has been brainwashed into thinking
everything worthwhile on a computer has to be paid for. I think that speaks
for itself.
Group 1 and Group 2 are about an equal size and there is potential there
for profit. Especially when you consider the fact that there is no decent
email client on Unix at present. I won't say they are powerful, since they
kick the crap out of TB! in that department. However, TB! (and PMMail) pack a
lot of power into the interface, which is something the unix programmers have,
thus far, ignored.
Group 3... Well, Group 3 is the one powering the Red Hat IPO and the
VALinux IPO. Group 3, if Linux really takes hold, is the one that will grow
quite large.
--
Steve C. Lamb | I'm your priest, I'm your shrink, I'm your
ICQ: 5107343 | main connection to the switchboard of souls.
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