Open Source Acceptance - Starting Early

Posted on July 10, 2007 by Guy Snir
Filed Under Open Source, Enterprise, Business, Israel |

Many software vendors know the value getting users to start using their software early in their life / career. Companies usually attempt to achieve this by creating a special (read “discount”) license for educational purposes.

As an example, in Israel, since the IDF (army) has a large role in the software industry (such as spin offs and holding high level managerial and decision making positions), the IDF is a common target for these vendors.
Common methods of penetration include giving large discounts, investing in focused training and marketing, landing system wide contracts and supplying outsourced systems.

Getting to users at early stages has the advantage of having them feel more comfortable with the technology and being advocates of it as they advance in their career.

Red Hat with the Red Hat High (that I believe started in 2006) are doing just that. Greg DeKoenigsberg is writing about the 2007 Red Hat High in the Red Hat Magazine

I think that Open Source software should increase this course of action, as we can still see FUD as a barrier to entry. Although this is done in some cases, I think it should be pursued with greater volume.

Proving that FOSS is a viable solution to corporations has brought us very far, but a growing generation that will take Open Source as granted, will bring us much further.

Guy

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