Possibilities for commercial software?

[Marcel de Jong]

Hello Ortwin,

On 1/25/07, Ortwin Regel <ortwin at gmail.com> wrote:
> I like open source and stuff but some things, especially games, are
> closed in many cases. What are the possibilities for selling closed
> software for OpenMoko devices? Will there be a central online
> marketplace?
I think that there will be places for people to sell closed software.

> What about DRM, is there a way to bind a program to a
> sync ID like it's usually done with PalmOS or to a device ID? (It
> should be possible to bind it to an SD card ID, right?) Any creative
> ideas how to solve the usual issues people have with stupid DRM
> systems etc. and still being able to get money for software
> development?

It's pretty clear that DRM does not work (just look at the recent
'cracking' of HDDVD and BluRay discs by one person). And I personally
hope that there will be no DRM on this device. (which would be pretty
hard, considering that almost everything about the phone is open
source)
My experience with DRM'ed products is that they only hinder your
honest customers, and not the pirates. If someone wants to get your
software for free, chance are (s)he can get it.

The best way is just to trust your customers.

sincerely,
Marcel de Jong