In the programming world, open source software such as Linux (news - web sites) is known for its publicly available source code. Because of this availability, communities of unpaid programmers around the world work to develop and troubleshoot such software. While the term "open source" to most people has come to mean "free," companies large and small have proven there is money to be made in the open source sector.
In fact, software distributors, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and service and support providers all stand to make a profit from open source products.
And Carl Howe, research director at Forrester Research, likened the open source business model to the difference between selling Coke and selling water.
"Microsoft is like Coke," Howe told NewsFactor. "It's a secret formula, all the money is from distribution, and their goal is to get Coke everywhere. Open source is like selling water. There are water companies like Perrier and Poland Spring, but you're competing with something that's free.
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