Book Review: After The Software Wars

June 8, 7:19 PMInternet and Technology ExaminerAndrew Weiner

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"After The Software Wars", is a long over due and pleasingly controversial look at the profiteering behind the computer software industry and how we as consumers can only hope that the likes of Microsoft, Adobe and even Apple, succumb to the likes of Open Office, Star Office and the other open source and feature rich software application and development packages.

Author Keith Curtis opens up by saying ".....The key to faster technological progress is the more widespread use of free software. Free versus proprietary (or non-free) software is similar to the divide between science and alchemy."

This small opening sets the tone for this book and as dramatic as it can be for a book thats speaks of technology. When, in 1731, Ben Franklin opened the first public library, its motto was "To support the common good is divine..This leads us to believe that even before technology arrived, that one of our founding fathers was one to believe in NOT paying for knowledge. Maybe if he were alive now, he would also support this cause."

Some non believers may say that this is just a fantasy story from a former and possibly disgruntled employee. Well within the first few pages, it is easy to see that this book is not just a novel of what may come, as it offers proven facts, and statistics about the software industry giants, including Microsoft, Adobe and others that have run the industry and the web for all to long.

He uses Metcalf's Law to brazenly and truthfully define Microsoft's success. Wikipedia defines Metcalf's Law as "... that the value of a telecommunications network is proportional to the square of the number of connected users of the system..." It could also be suggested the this can apply to the other conglomerates in the industry who may have pushed their "you can not do this with any other product" attitude on us as unsuspecting consumers. Companies that are outwardly desperate for sales can use this to reel in customers with one product, feign dependency and there for running the market, as all additional software requires you to start with them. To put that in a less technical perspective, the US is just starting to explore ways to reverse this laws effects as far as foreign oil dependence. 

We are led to believe that you get what you pay for, There have been many news articles and reports that have exposed that certain generic or store brand items are made or processed by the exact same manufacturer of the brand name counter part. The development team at OpenOffice.org may  be just as qualified as those at Microsoft. We are coming to and may have possibly arrived in an age where the better piece of technology may just need a handshake rather than a credit card or a piece of paper with a denomination and a dead leaders picture. Remember, never discount the underdog.

 For more info: You can purchase the book on Amazon, or contact the PR Firm directly.