OpenSource, FreeSoftware and the IT crisis

Yesterday I was reading Mr Reset's blog and came across an interesting post.

What follows is my response to Giacomo, who has legitimate doubts about OpenSource and everything around it.

Hello Giacomo,

I found OpenSource useful, and very useful. But I don't fit into the categories you mentioned:

# I am not a big company
# I don't do installations (although it happens sometimes, in the middle of everything else)
# I'm not a very good programmer, but I get by
# I am not a researcher or professor (although I do teach sometimes)
# I am not a big customer

I am in another category: that of those who in OpenSource software (and its open code derivatives, even if not free) have found one more possibility. No more, no less: just one more chance. In the pack of cards to be played with customers, there is also that

The biggest use I've made of OpenSource tools so far, however, is quite different from what you describe: come to think of it, I've never adapted ready-made software (I've developed plugins, yes, but I would have done the same for commercial software). So far I've learned more from OpenSource software than a school could ever teach me

I wouldn't call myself an 'enthusiast' of OpenSource, but I do find it an interesting opportunity and, in some respects, I am passionate about it. But I don't feel like I'm being exploited by big companies. And I share your view that the use of OpenSource in big companies is not for moral reasons, but for advantage. I'll just add an almost always, so as not to sound too pessimistic.

I wish you a peaceful life, but explain to me what that has to do with project contracts? I believe one can live serenely even working with short-term contracts. The way of working has changed in recent years and there is no going back. I don't see a future for fixed jobs: the available spaces are what they are and you have to carve out areas around them. But I have no authority to make such statements, so take them as mere personal opinions.

I wish you a peaceful life,
to earn as much as you wish and
thank you for making me think,
Silvano Stralla

In short, I just want to say that the OpenSource wave is too strong to stop quickly. And very comfortable.