Disclaimer: I work for the company that develops the grid technology Digsby's using, so I suppose I have some bias.
I think Digsby has recognized user's feelings on this issue and their latest update addresses these feelings directly. The new version makes our grid technology apparent to the user. I think the fact they addressed the issue head-on counts for something.
I also feel that it is important for "free" software to find a revenue stream. While there are several examples of truly free software being sustainable, there should also be a place for alternative revenue streams for companies that want to make software available to users at no direct cost.
Yes, users need to know what's going on. This is uber-important. But assuming they do, alternative revenue streams are a good thing for everyone, IMO.
It is Plura, and while you can technically get paid for it, it's not really worth it for an individual. However, if you can bring hundreds or thousands of computers to the grid by embedding it in an application, then the payments can be significant.
"[...] in fact was announced on the Digsby blog as an official way they are going to make some money, with Plura Processing as a partner."
As to whether or not you can supply processing power for a fee, I doubt it. Looking through their individuals page briefly it looks like it's very similar to SETI@home or any other distributed computing effort. If you like the projects they're running you help, if not you don't.
Comments
Disclaimer: I work for the company that develops the grid technology Digsby's using, so I suppose I have some bias.
I think Digsby has recognized user's feelings on this issue and their latest update addresses these feelings directly. The new version makes our grid technology apparent to the user. I think the fact they addressed the issue head-on counts for something.
I also feel that it is important for "free" software to find a revenue stream. While there are several examples of truly free software being sustainable, there should also be a place for alternative revenue streams for companies that want to make software available to users at no direct cost.
Yes, users need to know what's going on. This is uber-important. But assuming they do, alternative revenue streams are a good thing for everyone, IMO.
what is this grid technology, and can i supply processing horsepower and get paid?
It is Plura, and while you can technically get paid for it, it's not really worth it for an individual. However, if you can bring hundreds or thousands of computers to the grid by embedding it in an application, then the payments can be significant.
From the Freehacker article I surmise that it's Plura Processing (http://www.pluraprocessing.com/)
"[...] in fact was announced on the Digsby blog as an official way they are going to make some money, with Plura Processing as a partner."
As to whether or not you can supply processing power for a fee, I doubt it. Looking through their individuals page briefly it looks like it's very similar to SETI@home or any other distributed computing effort. If you like the projects they're running you help, if not you don't.
They pay about $2.50 per CPU at 100% per month. A fraction of the cost of electricity, but lucrative for Digsby.