THE CARE AND FEEDING OF FOSS (or, The Lifecycle of Software Technology)

• There is a natural “lifecycle” to software technology, which includes both commercial periods and FOSS (Free Open-Source Software) periods. Those who understand this pattern can work with it and thrive. Those who don’t understand the pattern, or who choose to fight it, are in for a lot of frustration. In this essay, we explore why almost all software technology will go through stages that include a commercial, for-profit period but ultimately end up FOSS. We’ll look at why commercial involvement is a natural and positive force, and why FOSS is the inevitable endpoint of most software technology.

Software Patents — An Alternate View

• FOSS (Free Open-Source Software) sites have recently advocated essentially abandoning patent protection for software, either by getting rid of software patents altogether, or by exempting FOSS from patent enforcement. This seems like a case of throwing the baby out with the bath water. Software patents are being abused, but patents are important and useful, and with sensible reform to patent laws, patents could encourage innovation, which is the fundamental purpose of patent law.