Open Source Revenue Models: Red Hat’s Tactics and Strategies 

Red Hat recently disclosed publicly a change in the way they distribute kernel patches, explaining that such decision came out in reaction to third parties (competitively) supporting RHEL.

Red Hat’s decision might be ‘debatable’ for some, while others are ok with that. The whole point to me seems to be a completely different question, though. Tactic decisions to prevent others from appropriating returns from the (Red Hat) commons are not a substitute to a (long-term) strategy focused on renewal rates, an area where Red Hat is using effective business strategies.

(More …)