RE: Fwd: Wall Street article on a new Cooperative

>Nevertheless, I question the value behind this co-op.  There are three
>kinds of software non-tech companies buy/write:
>  - line of business automation (trading systems)
>  - ancilliary automation (HR, Benefits Management, call center, CRM)
>  - general purpose (Windows, Apache)

They did mention Seibel and Microsoft Word/Excel as applications to
consider replacing.  The concern was why pay hundreds for MS office when
they could build it cheaper.

I have often noticed in life the when there is a new venture it is the
highest price version succeeds.  The price tag demands the commitment.  

While open-office has not been successful at penetrating the enterprise
market, a co-op such as this one could be a vehicle which would allow it
to succeed.  The 30K price tag could in effect make it 'ok' for some
people to use open office.

Remember, nobody has ever been fired for buying Microsoft (or IBM).  The
price tag must create sufficient credibility to allow for movement in
new directions.

If they can gain enough support, I believe that they can forever change
how software and consulting are sold.  

I was concerned by their statement that this amount is 0.01% of an IT
budget.  30K is 30K any way you slice it.

Yonas.