Feedback to Jim Zemlin

Jim Zemlin, Executive Director of the Linux foundation, has remarked on Steve Jobs and the iPad launch and compared it to Linux devices. It's very honest and kudos to Jim for being honest about the issues at stake. Without an honest understanding of the situation there's nowhere to move.

There are some statements I'd call mistakes and I'd like to list them methodically and explain why:

"Linux *can* compete in one area. $499 - $829 may be a breakthrough price for Apple and their margins, but it’s no comparison to the price competition Linux-based devices can offer"

If it's no comparison to the price competition Linux devices can offer, then why is Jim comparing it? Because it's exactly what consumers will do. But it's not about the cost, it's about the value. People will spend money on good products, and the less of a margin that needs to be spent, the more good products people will buy. And Jobs knows this. He knows that his tablet competition is Linux and he's winning the war before the battle has started by setting a price almost everyone can afford, and most people will be willing to spend.

"Apple products command a premium and Jobs will never cannibalize their pricing power"

He just did. Everyone was expecting a $1000 device and was delivered a $500 device. If you look back through the years you'll find that Apple's prices have been steadily reducing for about 10 years. As sales continue to increase, economies of scale will continue to affect pricing. And it appears, that sales will continue to increase and the market for Apple products will expand.

"The Linux ecosystem needs to do better competing on “magic.”"

Ahaa, but there is no magic. Only thoughtful design, a cohesive architecture between software & hardware, a coherent vision and a high bar for objectives. Jobs is demanding, always has been. Linux is accepting, always will be.

"Apple is the most locked down closed system imaginable, from the software ladened with DRM, all the way down to the custom silicon they use for their Apple A4 chip"

And despite all of this, just about nobody buying the device (similar to the iPod and iPhone) will care because Apple integrates the DRM, custom chip and in-house built operating system in such a way as to create the best device for the consumer.

"Commercial success is important, but freedom is also important."

A political hat tip to the zealots. But IMHO this point is right on the money. Great ideas and great implementation come from great vision and leadership. Democratic leadership creates mediocre solutions and pragmatic implementations, it's the nature of the beast.

"So my question to you: How can the Linux community get better at creating magic?"

Bat's wings and beetle dung? ... Just kidding.

Truly wish I had an answer to this one. My gut says that a community co-exists rather than compels while my heart says that communities are compelled by the interpersonal relationships which they engender. Perhaps from the Linux perspective, products are less about customers and more about contact.