ERP licenses for GPL: a survival

Be sure to read. the first part of.

Part 2. Terms of survival.
In the world of OS is such a thing as Linux, distributed under the GPL. There are other types of licenses, in varying degrees, declaring the free distribution of software. To date, the OS has received considerable recognition among users. There is another world - the world of ERP-systems. And it has this kind of license do not receive wide distribution. I remember a lot of business automation software, accounting and other accounting systems, which are distributed under the GPL. However, I can confidently say that, to date ( 2009 ), no such system is similar as in the world, and Linux operating systems, the spread has not been. As an experiment,. propose to discuss how you can create ERP-system, distributed by the GPL, which potentially could take, for example, at least 3-5% of the market of ERP systems.
Well, of course, if you imagine the amount of work and assess the whole picture, it looks ridiculous, this experiment. However, play is serious. Our hero and role model, Linus Tovalds. When he started, hardly imagined that he will succeed, especially in those days, many made ​​their OS 'on my knee ', and Linux was just ' one '. Therefore, the idea of ​​free provision can not serve as a leading concept in the development of such a system. Another aspect concerning the use of the license is not to steal software, so as not to give too much reason to law enforcement agencies to find fault with you. Ha! . So what remains? . So be it!. The first condition of survival: the initial orientation to the global spread. In each country, their standards of accounting, but the experience of world leaders such as SAP, Oracle shows that in reality all this under a variety of standards to bring a common technical base. In terms of technical implementation initially should be to support multi-language and regional settings at the level of data processing, and at the interface level. Choosing a unique Unicode, the system itself must be present API, the OS returns a locale.
Well, let's say we have a similar system. What you need to want to use it? . There are those who decide to buy: department heads, directors. And there are those who give their opinion on the suitability of the system to use, and gives advice on the technical side is the IT departments of companies, consultants. Members of the selection process, even for most small businesses, which will give voiceless, the use and. The decision taken by the head. The question of setbacks will not be regarded only fair competition. So, the opinion of technical experts or consultants is very important. The second condition for survival: the system should be like technicians. As usual, first - geeks will catch up and organized by the close community around the system. However, the system ' went to the people ... Gikam this system might also like, if it can be very flexible configuration, realizing the astounding configuration. This is possible by using the system programming language. It will be easier if it is an already known language: Python, Java, C. In its pure form, these languages ​​are totally unsuitable for programming configuration of ERP-system. However, they can write a framework, which increases the convenience and speed of the system configuration to the requirements of the enterprise.
Well, the system we have, there is a community that has a leader. Do I have something else to the system to reach the goal? . Manager wants to ensure that the system pay for itself: the introduction, in any case will cost money, even if the ERP-system is free of charge. It is difficult to predict in advance, but a good portfolio of examples of real implementations to help in this matter. Yes this is our third condition for survival!. The third condition of survival: the presence of portfolio examples of actual implementations. The portfolio can earn from small deployments. Small, medium-sized enterprises, separate independent accounting systems (eg, print, or a bigger price tags, inventory control sample ). Good, clear examples of implementations in the hands of charismatic leaders who know the art of oratory, become a powerful tool of persuasion.
Ultimately, this ERP-system should operate at the user ten years to develop, doraschivatsya to meet the changing and / or the growing needs of the enterprise. Potential new users need to see an example that, as implemented, the system does not become a bottleneck, and will not create significant difficulties in the operation. The fourth condition of survival: the test of time.

to be continued.