Open Source Hardware Companies Blend Altruism With Bottom Line @ KUNC.
It’s very easy for open source users around the world to collaboratively share data and files to modify software. Everyday examples include products like Mozilla Firefox and Chromium which allow users to modify, study, deconstruct and even distribute the programs in a collaborative way with no worry of patent or warranty infringement.
Jeff Moe, founder and CEO of Aleph Objects, a 3D printer company, wants to do the same with hardware.
…Aleph Objects founder Jeff Moe believes concerns surrounding patents and copyright entanglements may complicate the broadening of open source hardware development across the country. However, the altruistic idea that open collaboration and profits can coexist is truly good for his business.
“We’re basically trying to create a public commons of hardware, right? You know, like Wikipedia has created a commons of knowledge, right? And so there’s going to be a commons of components and parts and XLR connectors and there’s going to be all these types of things that people are sharing. And we just want to expand that.”
He may be on to something. Moe said his company is on track to make $4 million by the end of the year.
NICE! Rough estimate, that’s about 2,000 100% open source 3D printers sold? – Read more.
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INVENT IT. CREATE IT. PRODUCE IT
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