Open Source: Complimentary

An article at Information Society Technologies suggests that at least some open source GIS developers are looking for complementary niches, not compete with existing proprietary solutions. If you think about selling open source GIS, there can be two parts: convincing the buyer they need GIS (I trust thatТs easier than it was when I started in the field 15 years ago) and then convincing them open source is the way to go (that should become easier in time). But, a complementary solution basically means the proprietary folks Уpay forФ the initial purchase and the second open source complementary package can Уride on its coat tails.Ф

Is GPS Shutting Lighthouses?

ThatТs the suggestion in an article in the German Spiegel. The high cost of lighthouse upkeep contrasts with the near ubiquity of GPS receivers on ships and has prompted many to call for them to be Уturned off.Ф In Germany at least the lighthouses will not be dismantled as they are historic places and are protected by legislation. The shipping industry is for the close: in Britain at least such companies contribute funds for the upkeep of the lighthouses. On the other side are recreational boaters, those with a sense of history and ship captains whoТve had GPS fail.