Be free? BeOS maker says yes

Operating system developer Be Inc. will adopt the Linux business model and distribute its flagship BeOS as a free download to consumers.

Facing the chicken-and-egg proposition that a new OS platform cannot succeed with consumers until it first rallies the developer community, Be is hoping the giveaway will spur demand for its software in the fledgling information appliance market.

The company is even considering publishing its source code under the GNU General Public License.

The full story is posted at www.zdnn.com .