TedPage: Open Wins

I was reading Linux Journal where there was a discussion about Linux devices at CES. (yes, I am reading old Linux Journals to catch up) The author made the comment that "Open systems always win". Which I thought was pretty brash, but I was able to think of some good examples:

• Betamax vs. VHF One of the key differences in these technologies was that Sony controlled the Betamax format, and required content to be licensed through them. They stopped content like pornography, but also were slow to license the technology to other companies. The inferior, but more open format VHS won out in the end. More info on Beta
• PCs vs. Apple The PC allowed for other vendors to provide expansion cards, and increase the functionality of the PC without IBM. This spurred innovation as people all had different ideas about how the new device could be used.
• Democracy vs. Totalitarianism We see the trends of societies towards providing more open systems for people in general. Those societies that allow for freedom tend to have economic advantages as a dynamic economy reacts to a changing world. Control of even an enlightened few doesn't equate to success.

Of course, open doesn't guarantee success. There are many systems that haven't resulted in success just because they were open. But, it seems that in the long term, the author is correct: Open systems win. I don't know that I'm going to bet against cheap though.