[plug] [link] a lawyer Switches

[Craig Ringer]

Peter J. Nicol wrote:
>> >> Well, its a better approach for /everybody/ concerned than making many
>> >> custom systems.
> 
>> Like any company, they're acting in /their/ best interests, something to 
>> always be aware of. 
> 
> ummmm ... 

The two aren't muturally exclusive. They're only out to further their 
own profits as a final goal, but they have to take into account the need 
to offer things attractive to customers in order to get business. Their 
final, core motivation will be profit not public interest or being nice, 
but if that furthers their final goal, they'll do it. I think you'll 
find that most companies will take the "everybody wins" option 
happily... so long as its also the option when they win the most.

In this case, I think that there is a significant advantage to both IBM 
and their customers. OTOH, if they thought they could make more money 
long term with another approach, I suspect they'd switch in a second. Of 
course that must account for reputation, customer's desires and 
resulting market share, etc etc.

Craig