I agree with most of your points. You might reconsider your idea about open source = $0, though. You don't want code, you want your computers to do something that adds value to your company. So beside the code, you still need people who understand the code and who understand the problem. And you need to configure the software to mathc your context. That doesn't come for free. It's actually so expensive that a lot of companies rather bet on closed source products with support then on open source + learning it themself, and they are right to do so. That's why most open source products actually have companies around them that sell just the know how and support.
The lesson here can be even taken further. Most things that look like $0 actually have hidden costs. Nothing's free in this world.
Open source gets easier to install / use with time (eg Wordpress is a one click install on any standard hosting service) and it is really free for those who know to use it.
The problem with open source is that there is little short term incentive to the developer. But with time I believe Open Source will be a strong option for many areas like what Khan Academy or One Laptop per Child is for education. So don't discount it!
Comments
I agree with most of your points. You might reconsider your idea about open source = $0, though. You don't want code, you want your computers to do something that adds value to your company. So beside the code, you still need people who understand the code and who understand the problem. And you need to configure the software to mathc your context. That doesn't come for free. It's actually so expensive that a lot of companies rather bet on closed source products with support then on open source + learning it themself, and they are right to do so. That's why most open source products actually have companies around them that sell just the know how and support.
The lesson here can be even taken further. Most things that look like $0 actually have hidden costs. Nothing's free in this world.
Open source gets easier to install / use with time (eg Wordpress is a one click install on any standard hosting service) and it is really free for those who know to use it.
The problem with open source is that there is little short term incentive to the developer. But with time I believe Open Source will be a strong option for many areas like what Khan Academy or One Laptop per Child is for education. So don't discount it!