FOSS Overcame One Microsoft Monopoly; Calls for Another Challenge

The article reflects on a past victory where free and open-source software disrupted a Microsoft monopoly. It notes that the success came after two decades of attempts that failed. The author argues that the same collaborative model can be applied to a new target. The piece identifies the next monopoly as a candidate for open-source competition. It emphasizes the importance of community-driven development in challenging entrenched players. The columnist urges developers to mobilize resources toward this new effort. Potential benefits include increased choice and reduced vendor lock‑in. The article concludes by calling for coordinated action from the FOSS community.