Craig's Blog

While I make no secret of being a huge open source proponent; I do want to discuss what open source software is not.  It is not free!  While you can download "community" editions free of charge, there is an equipment and time investment that still needs to be made.  Our years of experience have shown that while it may not be free, it is definitely 50% - 70% less on a total cost of ownership basis.

Also, most open source platforms offer a dual license scenario.  There is a GNU / public license as well as a formal corporate license from the company that sponsored the product development.  An example of this is Digium's Asterisk system; there is the community license (free for downloading), then there is the Business Edition and Switchvox Licenses (supported, licensed, and SOLD by the company).

Open Source is not bug free.  If you expect any software to be error / bug free then you need to drop back to parchment and quill for your information needs.  While they are not bug free they are still just as reliable as commercially available platforms.  One area we have seen a noticable difference is in on-line support.  Open source products are without a doubt the best supported systems on-line.  If you have a bug, you post the issue, and someone from around the globe typically responds immediately.  While the resources for problem research are spread across multiple websites; the ability to resolve your issue in under an hour is nearly the norm everytime with open source systems.

 

Today is a gift;  don't waste it by grieving yesterday or fretting over tomorrow.  If you look at the events going on around you it is easy to get caught up in what could have been or what might be.  If you are alive today then focus on getting the most out of today.

An odd title I know; but I needed to grab your attention.  I have been through numerous startup ventures with other folks in my career; although, Ambit is my first ownership situation.  But, I have had the same question posed to me over the years.  "How big is your company and what happens if you go away?"  This question has perplexed me everytime.

Read more: Size versus Relationhip

Actually it is pronounced "Open Source."  I chose this title because I have determined a definite demographic line in the computing world.  I am 45 years old.  I remember the golden age of IBM in the '70s and '80s, and then their fall from grace in the '90s as Microsoft came on strong.  I still remember going to COMDEX and sitting with my 20 and 30 something peers pointing out how IBM just didn't get it.  They just didn't understand the freedom and power that came with the Microsoft personal computing paradigm.

Read more: Open Sores (Source)