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A comment on Why you should build an open-source startup. Parent comment

Re:Why you should build an open-source startup by danieldk on Friday May 20, 2011 @03:50PM (#2569174)
Except that most 'closed' companies use open source software to build, host, or maintain their product. If everyone kept their software under wraps, their would be no giant's shoulders to stand on.

I think an acceptable (business-wise) middle-way is to open some components that are valuable to the world, but does not immediately make everyone a potential instant competitor.

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Re:Why you should build an open-source startup by droz on Friday May 20, 2011 @04:23PM (#2569308)
> If everyone kept their software under wraps, their [sic] would be no giant's shoulders to stand on.

There would be shoulders to stand on, you'd just have to pay for it.

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Re:Why you should build an open-source startup by leftnode on Friday May 20, 2011 @03:54PM (#2569191)
Definitely. A good middle ground is for companies to open source tools and side programs they write that make their work easier. Many other developers would probably derive benefit from them, and who knows, it could turn into another stream of revenue for that company.
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