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RealNetworks recently unveiled the Helix Initiative, the nearly GPL release of its entire infrastructure. When I heard about this move, I was skeptical to say the least. Releasing support code, as SAP AG did with its database product, is an intelligent decision that improves both the product and the vendor's reputation. Releasing your core system under a license that is very similar to the Lesser (or Library) GPL is a different matter.

It's harder to discern what RealNetworks hopes to gain. But it appears to be a genuine response to the pressure placed upon the multimedia vendor by competition that can afford to lose a fortune.

In the business model we can hope to see evolve from this release, RealNetworks would provide support and services to companies that don't want to do it all themselves. If RealNetworks can take the largest share of the market through this initiative, then offer service, support and add-on programs, it might pay off.

I look forward to seeing the results of this. If open-source software is to become credible, contributions like this will be necessary. If SAP and RealNetworks are successful, we may see more of this type of business model. Imagine a world where you can try all software before you pay a penny. Imagine getting high-quality support because that's all the vendor offers. That could be where we're headed. Download the program you want, test it out, and then if you want support, buy it.

I hope it happens. No more forced upgrades, no more multimillion dollar license fees. Just the software your organization needs, at a negotiated service fee from a vendor that has to provide support or risk losing you as a customer. Vendor lock-in would yield to technology choices. What a wonderful world it would be.
--Don MacVittie, dmacvittie@nwc.com