Hi Sanil,
Its an interesting discussion that you have initiated.
In my view, Open source movement gives a whole new meaning to IP and software. Yes, i agree with you that there is no need to GPL all the software of the world, but it really helps to have good quality software available that can be moulded and modified to meet your solutions.
Computer industry is still in its first phase of evolution along with internet. What the industry has been creating is operating systems, graphics capabilities, communications, open standards, multimedia, data storage, network architectures etc etc. Now, all these tools are basic ingredients to provide solutions to the connected world.
my point of view is that all these basic capabilities and tools should be GPLed. now you can pick up these tools, modify them to your requirements and provide SOLUTIONS. If these basic tools are properietary, then you are not in a position to match the might/muscle and money power or the megacorps riding high by charging (rather duping people for basic tools) heavy amounts for these tools.
Look at what GPLed software has given to you. Tools as good as properietary tools (if there is something left, we all are closing in fast), now you are free to create your solutions and charge for the services. Thats how it should be: carpenter does not charge for his tools, he charges for the solutions he gives you. doctors dont charge for a stethoscope but for what they do with it. Time is not far away when we will have very easy to use tools at hand that can be taken for granted, then the focus is bound to shift to SERVICES and SOLUTIONS.
For the above to be true we need to have a distinction between SOFTWARE and SOLUTIONS. It is anybody's guess. Believe me, today because of what i have learnt from open Source software has enabled me to dream of outwitting the megacorps with GPLed software. GPLed software also helps us move ahead fast. We cant sit on the IP that we have created, we have to innovate else our work is rendered obsolete by another genius from the brave GNU world. IT LEADS TO AN ENVIRONMENT OF CONSTANT INNOVATION.
And innovation is good for the world.
I would close with this: ALL THE SOFTWARE SHOULD BE GPLed, ALL THE SOLUTIONS MAY OR MAY NOT BE, ALL THE SERVICES SHOULD BE CHARGED FOR.
leave you with this thought,
regards, tarun gaur
In support of Sanil's view !!
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