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<TD><FONT face=Arial><FONT size=2>Posted On: 9/29/2009 </FONT><BR><BR><FONT style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt" size=2><STRONG><SPAN class=ArticleTitle>What are the main problems with open-source technology?</SPAN> </STRONG></FONT></FONT></TD>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">In our continuing open-source technology thread, we asked our readers to indicate the main benefits to open-source technology. We got a strong cross-section of responses, but the overwhelming choice is price, with more than 71 percent choosing cost. Customization and Broad Community Input came in second at 57 percent each, followed by Access at 43 percent and Ease-of-Use at 29 percent.</SPAN><BR>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Although one person wrote in to say that there are no benefits to open-source technology, and others wrote in that the technology isn’t realistic for practical work, most of the respondents commented about the pricing advantages. As one said: “Per seat or per transaction charges, which are now becoming the norm, are fluctuating costs that agencies cannot budget for. Open-source gives fixed costs and allows access to anyone (internal/external) without having to factor in a cost for usage.”</SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Given that we heard from those saying there are no benefits or that open-source isn’t realistic, it’s only fair to give a voice to those who are not fans of the technology. We’d like to know what you think are the main problems with open-source technology.</SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Please take a moment to answer our survey and we’ll report back next week:</SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'"><A href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=N_2fFUkNGN2ybfQqFY2jcgdA_3d_3d">http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=N_2fFUkNGN2ybfQqFY2jcgdA_3d_3d</A></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"> </P><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: 'Arial','sans-serif'">
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Arial">Jo Treadwell<BR>VP/Group Publisher <BR><A href="mailto:jtreadwell@geoplace.com"><FONT face=Arial color=#808080 size=2>jtreadwell@geoplace.com</FONT></A></SPAN></P></SPAN></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
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