Wednesday, September 8, 2010

GNU/GPL/ETC

I'm fairly new into my start up and this would be my first business venture.  I can't be too specific, we're trying to put a fairly unique product out into an incredibly crowded market. But, it is web based.  I'm the head of the technical side of the business, and with our limited budget I've been looking over the different gpl choices out there. And having dealt with corporate technology for the last few years, I've been out of the loop.  I'm glad to see the variety out there.  Last time I was heavily involved with the free *nix and gnu software, there were still solid projects and a free version for almost everything you'd want to do, but now there's a ton of choices for everything you want to do.

I'm used spending most of my time fixing code and searching for one that'll fit every need I have or modifying the best to fit them.  Instead I've found dozens of free versions that'll fit all of our needs except the unique ones, and I'm having to sort through them all.  More of the small companies should start embracing this movement, compared to payed versions we should save a few thousand.  And all of our initial budget is coming from our already strapped paychecks.  Anyone else in a similar situation?

5 comments:

  1. So you're a coder? Lot of respect to you, I took a class in Python and wanted to tear my face off. Network security is more my thing.

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  2. Actually I'm a network engineer that's been using linux since he was 14. So I'm more of the engineer. I just know coding because back in the day to use it, you had to. I've got to relearn most of it to get it up. BFC from monster FTW.

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  3. I have a deep respect for anyone who codes. Remember that commercial where everything that was made using chemistry disappeared? I feel like if the same commercial was about coding today, everything around me would melt away.

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  4. Can't say im in the same situation but i do a bit of coding myself. Fixing code and searching for bugs makes me want to kill myself! Will follow you when google allows me to (being a spaz atm)

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