Just read that Microsoft has formed a new foundation called CodePlex foundation, presumably
to spinoff their Code plex site and allow it to stand separately from Microsoft. The mission appears to be to allow an easier avenue for developers
working for proprietary software companies to contribute to open source projects.
Monty has some details about this on his blog The CodePlex Foundation: Why is Microsoft founding it?.
The line up of people they have on their advisory board (including Monty) and board of directors is interesting CodePlex About.
I'm particularly happy that Miguel De Icaza is on the board since he is one of my favorite people and I believe shares my pragmatic ideals on the synergy between open source and non-open source software. I wonder what it takes to get on this board.
It would be really nice if someone in the PostgreSQL community were on this board just to ensure the needs of the PostgreSQL community (especially our growing number of windows users) is well represented.
As to the argument of Monty's that software for sell is dying, not sure I quite agree though haven't given it much thought. Certainly I would like to think
that service for sell is rising since that's the business we are in and enjoy most. One thing I believe is that software is getting more complicated and people
expect more. With that said even as a company that sells software, you would be foolish not to try to leverage on the open source software out there that fits nicely into your codebase.
You just won't be able to compete even with the sole proprietor next door who is with it.
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