This blog entry observes that finally with the upcoming MacOS X 10.4 version (i.e. "Tiger"), Apple is really starting to show off how Open Source technologies can strengthen a commercial offering, and how a commercial company can give back to the Open Source community without losing profitability. This can only mean good things for everyone's favorite computer company.
For those unfamiliar with Open Source, it is a movement within programming which essentially says "If it is unthinkable for Ford motor company to sell you car with the hood welded shut, why is it common practice for software companies to deny their customers any information on how their software works?" Open Source calls upon software makers to release their code with their products. This both allows a better understanding of how the system works, it also allows independent programmer to make an honest evaluation of a product and for them to find - and fix - any bugs or security issues which may threaten their own shop. (Open Source is also associated with the Free Software movement and GPL, which are attempts to make all software available for little or no money. But not all Open Source programmers agree with that separate movement.)
It may surprise readers to learn that MacOS X was built on Open Source technology, and that its kernel (i.e. the central piece of software that coordinates all activity) is purely Open Source and has been released back to the software community (who even recompiled it for the PC platform). While Apple has kept Closed Source some other aspects of the system, like its unique graphical layer, it has been releasing updates to its web browser and it new Rendevous technology back to the community. I wonder if Microsoft will ever learn from this success. I doubt it.
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