MapServer Foundation - Open Letter

[Sean Gillies]

On Nov 28, 2005, at 12:53 PM, Fawcett, David wrote:

> My frustration is that there is a need to pick a random animal or
> additional name to add to the product.  This just dilutes the value of
> the current brand.  To me, MapServer is the product that we all use,
> love/hate, contribute to, etc.  Not even U of M MapServer, just
> MapServer. =20
>
> I hate to lose that brand.  AutoDesk taking on MapServer Enterprise, I
> believe, will confuse a lot of people to think that it is a code
> extension of MapServer or a Deluxe version of what is currently being
> called 'Cheetah'.  They get more of the name than the original product
> does. =20

Word.

>
> Maybe MapServer and MapServer Enterprise, just as confusing, but at
> least we get to keep the original name and brand.  MapServer Core?
> MapServer Foo Edition? ... =20
>
> My concern with branding has nothing to do with whether or not the
> foundation is a good thing.  I think that it could be. =20
>
> David. =20

The foundation could be a good thing, particularly if it keeps people  
from suing me ;) Still, I think we've given, or sold, a big chunk of  
our mojo to Autodesk to use in their attempt to re-launch MapGuide.

Sean

---
Sean Gillies
sgillies at frii dot com
http://zcologia.com/news