Agreed. The problem is, hackers don't tend to even have access to this type of problem because you need access to the very real environment of a large factory floor. And, even if you did build a better solution, there are relatively few customers, so selling is really about selling into large corporate bureaucracies, not getting someone to download a cool new plug-in. This type of selling is very expensive, and they will not buy from a couple of hackers in a spare beadroom

Right. Now, change "billion" to "million". Find a little work in one of the thousands of small businesses in your neighborhood, and within 2 weeks you'll find yourself screaming one of two things, either, "Who wrote this &^#$^#&!" or "I can do way better than this."

Congratulations. You just found the basis for a viable start-up.

That I can do!

Those 4 words still send chills up my spine, especially with the exclamation point. (I know, what a nerd.) Hate to get all Oprah on you, but sometimes I think having that attitude is half the battle.