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[h2o-discuss] RealNames mixing open and proprietary
Here's an interesting twist on "open": RealNames proposing to open the
interface to its proprietary (and payment-based) database that matches keywords
to URLs. See <http://yahoo.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-808296.html>
("In a bid to win broader acceptance for its simplified Net addressing system,
RealNames tomorrow will unveil plans to give away its technology and develop it
under the open-source model.")
This seems to be a transparent effort to get free (as in beer) code or to
harness the network effects of widespread use of their code to enhance
the value of their product: inclusion in a proprietary database. It reminds
me of bundling arguments made in the Microsoft case -- they're giving away
only a piece of the useful package, to drive up profits from the other piece.
Where does this practice fit within the "open" lexicon? Is a similar tying
arrangement the real reason why any commercial enterprise offers open source
code? Thoughts?
--Wendy
Wendy Seltzer
Fellow, Berkman Center for Internet & Society, Harvard Law School
wendy@seltzer.com | wseltzer@law.harvard.edu | wseltzer@kramerlevin.com