Open Source has moved well beyond the operating system into higher
level programs such as content management systems.  There are many
business models this suggests--most of them based on Linux, Apache,
PHP, MYSQL.

I've come up with an Open Source business plan--the business plan
itself is open source, so feel free to download it.

http://22surf.com
http://authena.org

It's a Catch-22.  Universally trusted DRM and syndicated commerce
can't work unless the business methods are open, and it is common
wisdom that a business must keep its methods secret.  Unless of course
the business aims to build syndicable marketplaces with
universally-trusted DRM riding on Open Source CMS.

Digital rights management (DRM) is the holy grail of the internet.  It
is a multi-billion-dollar, ever-expanding market, and an apt solution
will be invaluable to the livelihood of all media companies.  22surf
proposes that DRM will be solved with an Open Source philosophy such
as that promoted by Authena.  Security standards will only emerge if
artist-hackers trust them.  Over time, marketplaces that are best able
to establish trust will prevail and snowball. The first mover in
"trust" will have a lot to gain.

The business model of centralized conglomerates marketing the digital
rights of a handful of artists is outdated.  Both the artists and
end-consumers have been flustered.  A new model, consisting of a
distributed network of thousands of creators hosting their content on
Open Source CMS and syndicating it to trusted archives and
marketplaces, is emerging.   In order to build a trusted network of
marketplaces supporting common standards for syndicated commerce, the
business plan should be shared openly.  The transparency provided by
Open Source will foster the adoption of open standards for DRM and
syndicated commerce.  22surf encourages artist-hackers to download our
business plan for building profitable archives and marketplaces with
Open Source CMS, change and build on it, and join in the following
revenue streams:

1) sell keyword advertising throughout free OSCMS hosting services
(blogs, galleries, etc.), 2) sell advanced hosting options/extra disk
space, 3) charge 5% on content marketplace transactions, 4) charge 5%
on Open Source Arts freelance services  marketplace transactions, 5)
manage/host media assets of  large businesses (record labels/movie
studios/etc.), 6) sell printing services (or partner with businesses)
for hard-copy books, prints, CDs, DVDs, etc.  7) create a syndicable
friendster/FOAF (friend-of-a-friend) network, 8) create a mobile FOAF
service which alerts people when friends are in close proximity.

All of these revenue streams may be realized with a small team
leveraging Open Source CMS such as vvgallery, oscommerce, cafelog,
postnuke, and gallery.  With common standards for syndication based on
RSS/RDF, bands, writers, photographers, and friends will be able to
enjoy syndication across multiple archives and marketplaces.  Working
together, trusted marketplaces utilizing open standards for
syndication will prosper.  Surf's up!

Read the rest at http://22surf.com/22surf.html

[ Post a follow-up to this message ]