"The Cathedral & The Bazaar" by Eric S Raymond

Reviewed By Bob Boyles, Principal
Smarter Distribution

ISBN 0-596-00108-8

After hearing about this book from numerous web postings I had to read it. We'll cut the chase and let you know that this book is a must read for anyone that wants some insight into what one person sees as the future of the software industry.

The basic premise is to compare the traditional software company development model as demonstrated by Microsoft to that of a far different model, that of the open source community that has spawned Linux and now a dozen more similar projects. Open Source for those that don't know is software developed not by a company but by a community of developers. The source code is free to any one hence the name, open source, the only restriction being that you cannot resell the software. Linux is the most widely known sample of open source code but there are dozens of other projects out there that are threatening to change the landscape of the software industry.

Want something to think about then take a look at www.gnue.org. Here's an organization dedicated to creating an open source ERP system that can compete with the SAPs of the world or so they hope.

Mr. Raymond's premise is that open source software will expand beyond the web applications were it currently dominates (the vast majority of web serves run some form of open source software from Linux to Apache, etc.) to other more mainstream applications. And that is progression is not just because open source is free but also because the open source development environment is a superior model to the closed office model.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone that has any interest in Linux or open source or wants to explore what the future may hold for the software business.

About Bob Boyles and Smarter Distribution:

Bob Boyles started his strategic consulting business in 2001 and has focused on the change that technology is forcing in the supply chain and how independent distributors can not only respond to that change but also maximize the return they are seeing on their investment. Bob has spent a significant amount of time as an Installation Consultant for several of the big name software companies in the distribution market. Working with hundreds of distributors across the country on installing, upgrading and utilizing their software.  Bob also worked as Corporate Systems Manager for one of the largest electrical wholesalers in the country as that company moved from a completely manual operation to an on-line real-time system. 

Bob is a graduate of Appalachian State University (BS - 1981)and University of North Carolina at Greensboro Graduate School of Business (MBA - 1985).

© Copyright 2002, Robert S Boyles, Jr. All rights reserved. This article cannot be reprinted or reproduced in whole or in part, without the express written permission of Robert S Boyles, Jr.