On Tuesday 20 May 2008 10:53, Erach wrote:

hi, rony introduced me to this list. i want to examine the technical and business and accounting implications of an open-source company to replace a cell-phone provider like AIRTEL.

That is what google is trying with the android.

1. uses shoutcast (for free radio).
2. uses video editor of kde linux.
3. uses kubuntu linux in server / enterprise and desktop mode.

Once u use linux, what you do on your devices is entirely upto you (and the capabilities of your device).

4. uses alibaba.com for sourcing parts/assembled computers.

Do a design and publish it under gplV3. The logistics and cost of manufacturing, distributing and maintaining any such devices will require a large bank account.

7. uses open source cpu and chip set design ( i remember the

macintosh had minimal hardware since cpu did everything ---- a friend of mine had commented on this).

Many open cpus are already available. Goto opencores.org

8. all-in-one monitor or keyboard pcs (see alibaba.com)

in a handheld? We are talking of replacing airtel mobile?

9. integrated networking

You cant do anything without the network

i feel the chipset design // open-chip-set can be done. we need something cheap ---- we need a solution for the teeming masses of india.

Those who can afford already have airtel / bsnl / whatever. Those who cant have other pressing priorities like finding drinking water, food, and work. If you want to replace the existing provider, you have to build the backbone FIRST, then maintain it. Personal devices (phone) are already heavily subsidised, and should be almost free in the coming months.

remember billing is important ---- so we use open erp.

if you are going to bill for airtime you are already doomed. If you are going to bill for ad time (usage of the network is free), you need to bill for the ads you feed. Ofcourse you will need a very well profiled consumer database if your ads are to hit the right target.

In short all the tech and components to build a network and access that network is already available. The size of the task is however so hughe that any attempt to build a hierarchy and sit on the top to collect revenue will require massive amounts of money. google is trying just such a business model. They have money, an ad delivery engine, and customers paying for delivering ads through their chain. Everybody else clinging to stupid business models are already dead. M$ desperate attempts at clutching straws is playing out right now.

is it true the gnu license now requires service providers (like google earth) to make their code (and perhaps expert system rules too) open-source.

Briefly GPL V3 does require publishing the gpl v3 code (and derivative works) using which content is being delivered. That would include expert system rules - just another fancy name for software code - if it was a derivative of any v3 licenced code. gpl V2 does not require publishing code if that code is not redistributed.