Comment Re:Using it != getting profits (Score 1) 326
Actually, the analogies are important.
You're right in theory, but it depends which industry you (the government) are trying to promote.
If you are trying to promote an indigenous steel or tomato or widget industry, and you (the government) want those companies to have access to "cheap" software to run their business (we all know Linux and other GPL software are NOT free), then fine -- promoting GPL software is the way to go. Everyone can use it.
However, many countries are using "mandatory GPL" to promote a homegrown SOFTWARE industry, which doesn't work. Without intellectual property that someone can own and make money with, chances are no one is going to be chomping at the bit to make that software based on the government's code.
You're right in theory, but it depends which industry you (the government) are trying to promote.
If you are trying to promote an indigenous steel or tomato or widget industry, and you (the government) want those companies to have access to "cheap" software to run their business (we all know Linux and other GPL software are NOT free), then fine -- promoting GPL software is the way to go. Everyone can use it.
However, many countries are using "mandatory GPL" to promote a homegrown SOFTWARE industry, which doesn't work. Without intellectual property that someone can own and make money with, chances are no one is going to be chomping at the bit to make that software based on the government's code.
