An argument for open-source software

[XMEN Gambit]

... or at least open standards.

http://www.ofb.biz/modules.php?name=New ... le&sid=354

The article cites two specific and recent examples of the primary pitfall of proprietary programs. One is Microsoft's discontinuation of Visual Basic 6 support, which a lot of MS developers are unhappy with. Another is the conflict, and split, between the Linux kernel developers and their source control (BitKeeper) software they've been using for years. Summed up, that pitfall is "If you use proprietary software, your continuing use of it is at the mercy of the supplier."