[h2o-discuss] RealNames mixing open and proprietary

[wendy@seltzer.com]

Here's an interesting twist on "open": RealNames proposing to open the 
interface to its proprietary (and payment-based) database that matches keywords 
to URLs.  See <http://yahoo.cnet.com/news/0-1005-200-808296.html> 
("In a bid to win broader acceptance for its simplified Net addressing system,
RealNames tomorrow will unveil plans to give away its technology and develop it
under the open-source model.")

This seems to be a transparent effort to get free (as in beer) code or to 
harness the network effects of widespread use of their code to enhance
the value of their product: inclusion in a proprietary database.  It reminds
me of bundling arguments made in the Microsoft case -- they're giving away 
only a piece of the useful package, to drive up profits from the other piece.

Where does this practice fit within the "open" lexicon?  Is a similar tying
arrangement the real reason why any commercial enterprise offers open source 
code?  Thoughts?

--Wendy

Wendy Seltzer
Fellow, Berkman Center for Internet & Society, Harvard Law School
wendy@seltzer.com | wseltzer@law.harvard.edu | wseltzer@kramerlevin.com