The model we discussed with [info]arjen_lentz was the "skim off the top" model, which I think does have a degree of economic legitimacy. Basically value-add to an existing OSS project, make it worth your while in recompense, and then make it public.
Ah, I wish I shared your optimism ;-). What's most likely to happen is the FOSS project eats its own: new participants notice that great add-on and cherry picks its functionality as their new contribution to the original project.
Indeed arjen pointed out that many organisations he ecounters are insisting on use of FOSS.
I suspect the success/failure of that strategy will depend on the industry you're in (ie, how specialised the software is). It'd work great if you're in software development, a real estate clerk needing plain jane office apps, etc. Good luck if you're in mining, oil and gas, accountancy or graphic design ;-).
no subject
Ah, I wish I shared your optimism ;-). What's most likely to happen is the FOSS project eats its own: new participants notice that great add-on and cherry picks its functionality as their new contribution to the original project.
Indeed arjen pointed out that many organisations he ecounters are insisting on use of FOSS.
I suspect the success/failure of that strategy will depend on the industry you're in (ie, how specialised the software is). It'd work great if you're in software development, a real estate clerk needing plain jane office apps, etc. Good luck if you're in mining, oil and gas, accountancy or graphic design ;-).