Re: GPL vs. sweatshops (was Re: Bias)

Am Don, 2002-06-13 um 21.56 schrieb Deven T. Corzine:
 
> That makes no sense.  If GCC were X11-licensed, proprietary companies would 
> be able to start with the GCC code, modify it for that 20% improvement, and 
> sell it to those people who care enough about performance.  Under the GPL, 
> they can't do that and be assurred of selling more than a single copy -- 
> they're forced instead to build from a different base of code, or not even 
> bother.  Since that different codebase would have to match GCC's power to 
> have a chance of being accepted as a replacement, that's a tall order.  So 
> it's not a surprise if they generally just don't bother.

Which shows precisely that the GPL, in the case of gcc, achieves exactly
what it's supposed to. Yes, companies must invest if they want to offer
a better product. Yes, it's hard to beat gcc. Tough luck. 

I bet companies would be eager to use the Word code base for free to
build a better Word processor upon it. Somehow Microsoft seems to be
reluctant to let them do that, and we're stuck with the quality
Microsoft delivers, and with what other companies build without the Word
code base. At least, with gcc, if it doesn't suit your needs, you can go
ahead and modify it to +70% if you're able to.

And: even if building a product might be easier with an X11 gcc, you
can't charge a high price unless you really make it rock. 
You aren't selling a Porsche, after all, just a Beetle with a spoiler.
More than 20% overall performance gain is unlikely. Thus such a company
will be making profit mostly from services (help people fine-tune their
code etc). That is possible with gcc now. It probably offers a better
opportunity for making money than selling a gcc with rear spoiler.

Martin

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Martin Wilck                Phone: +49 5251 8 15113
Fujitsu Siemens Computers   Fax:   +49 5251 8 20409
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-- 
Martin Wilck                Phone: +49 5251 8 15113
Fujitsu Siemens Computers   Fax:   +49 5251 8 20409
Heinz-Nixdorf-Ring 1	    mailto:[email protected]
D-33106 Paderborn           http://www.fujitsu-siemens.com/primergy