I used osdir.com rather than freshmeat because osdir only lists projects that have reached the production level, while freshmeat is a repository for projects in all stages of development. I just didn't want you to think I was cooking the books<nobr> <wbr></nobr>:)
This comparison does show a point that I make when I argue that open source software projects require focus. Look at the number of projects that are started and will never reach production level. 780 business projects on freshmeat and maybe 20 on osdir. There are those that tell me that Linux can focus equally on all markets, the corporate desktop, the casual user, the enterprise, the devices, anything, because their pool of developers is so large. Lets look at osdir vs freshmeat on these subjects.
Scientific/Engineering 48 Software Development 107 System 123
Then look at the next statements. Linux users are different from Windows users. There are less Windows users and this will continue until 50% of computers come with Linux preinstalled. These things are also true.
So, the Linux community will take care of itself where the Linux community is naturally strong: engineering, software development, system development. It does not then follow that the Linux community will be equally strong in areas where its base isn't as interested.
Is this good or bad? Neither. But is it good to pursue your weaknesses to the detriment of your strengths? No. Linux has a different product than Windows. Linux has a different community than Windows. Why trying to force Linux into being a Windows clone is more popular than letting Linux develop on its strengths seems like a good idea to many still seems strange to me.
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Re:The real problem with Shareware on Linux
Posted by: DCallaghan on July 25, 2002 04:00 AMThis comparison does show a point that I make when I argue that open source software projects require focus. Look at the number of projects that are started and will never reach production level. 780 business projects on freshmeat and maybe 20 on osdir. There are those that tell me that Linux can focus equally on all markets, the corporate desktop, the casual user, the enterprise, the devices, anything, because their pool of developers is so large. Lets look at osdir vs freshmeat on these subjects.
Scientific/Engineering 48
Software Development 107
System 123
Then look at the next statements. Linux users are different from Windows users. There are less Windows users and this will continue until 50% of computers come with Linux preinstalled. These things are also true.
So, the Linux community will take care of itself where the Linux community is naturally strong: engineering, software development, system development. It does not then follow that the Linux community will be equally strong in areas where its base isn't as interested.
Is this good or bad? Neither. But is it good to pursue your weaknesses to the detriment of your strengths? No. Linux has a different product than Windows. Linux has a different community than Windows. Why trying to force Linux into being a Windows clone is more popular than letting Linux develop on its strengths seems like a good idea to many still seems strange to me.
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