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Eathlink and AOL gear up to compete with revamped Microsoft.net

Author: JT Smith

Cox News Service article on strategies being put into effect by Earthlink, AOL, and other ISPs to stay competitive in the 21st century — especially with Microsoft as a potentially potent competitor. Also, Wired.com reports that Microsoft is launching its biggest assault yet on Internet rival America Online by customizing its browser and digital media software in a package designed for novice computer users.

Category:

  • Linux

HP pushes ‘utility’ computing

Author: JT Smith

Thin-on-details InfoWorld article about Hewlett-Packard’s new e-Utilica iniative, which is supposed to allow service providers to rent out computing services over the Internet. (Prices start at $500,000.)

Enterprise Java Beans 1.1 programming advice

Author: JT Smith

Sanjay Mahapatra tells how to write reliable, portable Enterprise Java Beans 1.1 components at JavaWorld.

Reusable code issues tackled

Author: JT Smith

Report on InfoWorld about the Rational Software, Inc. conference in Philadelphia this week, and its emphasis on reusable code issues.

Co-op ‘bazaar’ for Open Source software

Author: JT Smith

By Tony Granata
News Editor

Got an idea for a piece of Open Source software to be written or enhanced but don’t have the resources or know how to get it done? Well, NewsForge has found the place for you. Cosource.com is a collaborative, reverse-auction Web site enabling international consumers and developers of Open Source products to work together to fund development of innovative software solutions.

The brainchild of Bernie Thompson, founder and CEO of Cosource, the original model for this idea is outlined in his article “Market Making for the Bazaar”. In the article Thompson writes, “Cosource.com is a commercial enterprise created to provide the range of services required to make cooperative funding a success for buyers, developers, and the Open Source community in general.”

How it works

The process brings three key elements of the Open Source Community together.

MEMBERS: First, one must become a member of the Cosource community. Once people become members, they can submit requests for software projects that they would like to see developed or enhanced. Members are responsible for deciding which projects will get developed and contributing to the funding of those projects that do. There are no fees for becoming a Cosource.com member, creating a request, or submitting proposals.

DEVELOPERS: After becoming a registered member, you can apply to become a Cosource.com developer. Once you are registered as a developer, you may submit proposals to develop requested packages.

AUTHORITIES: After becoming a registered member, you can apply to become a Cosource.com authority.
The authority is charged with the responsibility of deciding if the developer’s work meets the proposal’s specifications.

The process in a nutshell:

1. Members request new Open Source packages, enhancements or documentation, listing the full functional requirements;

2. Developers submit proposals to develop the package, naming an “authority,” or third-party peer-reviewer, along with a bid (price) and time schedule;

3. Members review proposals, and may elect to commit funds to one or more — the minimum commitment is $10 U.S.;

4. Whichever proposal is first to gather enough commitments to cover the bid wins and enters development;

5. Once the Authority declares the project complete, it is released,then all members who committed funds pay their commitments by credit card;

6. Cosource.com then pays the developer and authority for their work, minus a fair mark-up.

Benefits

Members benefit by:

  • Gaining the ability to specify the Open Source package they need written;
  • Sharing the costs of development with other members, perhaps saving as much as 99% over paying the developer themselves;
  • Eliminating their involvement with tedious business contracts and payment issues.

    Developers benefit by:

  • Gaining a venue for less experienced developers to take on small-scale, but paid work;
  • Allowing more experienced developers to potentially earn a living writing Open Source packages;
  • Having an opportunity to survey a potential market before submitting a proposal to perform work.

    And of course, the Open Source Community gains more freely available source code.

    Conclusion

    In his original model, Thompson states, “If successful, Cosource could accelerate the pace of innovation even further and create a small industry around developing free software.” To date Cosource has had:

  • 305 requests with total interest of $169,768;
  • 51 proposals with total commitments of $24,419;
  • 40 leading proposals with commitments of $23,689;
  • One project in development;
  • 18 projects completed.

    With these numbers, it seems Cosource is well on its way to filling Thompson’s expectations. To become a member, or find out more information, visit the Cosource Web site.

  • Category:

    • Open Source

    NTT completes Verio acquisition for $5.5B

    Author: JT Smith

    This is the first time the acquition of a major US communications company by a non-US corporation has been investigated by the US government, which delayed the buy for 45 days. Analysis of the deal at IDG.net.

    Category:

    • Open Source

    Machines build machines

    Author: JT Smith

    This is the tech “story of the week” that’s running everywhere, in one form or another, from MSNBC.com to Slashdot to the Washington Post’s front page. Some Brandeis U. researchers have programmed AI computers to design and build simple robot-type machines with little or no human help.

    Category:

    • Linux

    Cash-strapped dot-coms leaving Silicon Valley

    Author: JT Smith

    Inter@active Week wonders expects this to become a growing trend — and asks why so many companies started up in such a costly area in the first place.

    Category:

    • Open Source

    Cisco to acquire PixStream

    Author: JT Smith

    Pixstream makes hardware
    and software to manage digital video on broadband
    networks. Cisco expects to buy a total of 20 – 25 other companies this year. Pixstream is number 17. Inter@ctive Investor story.

    Category:

    • Open Source

    Companies unveil many new products at Seybold publishing show

    Author: JT Smith

    Apple got the big press, but many other computer and peripherals manufacturers have been using this week’s Seybold show to roll out new stuff, too. NetworkWorld story has details.

    Category:

    • Linux