May 26, 2000

An Unusual Project at U. of Chicago Seeks to Market Open-Source Software

By SCOTT CARLSON

John B. Kennedy has a hefty challenge ahead of him. As the head of Open Channel, an unusual venture based at the University of Chicago, Mr. Kennedy plans to create a viable business marketing open-source software -- programs that are already available to the public at no cost. But how in the world does one make money off something that's free?

Actually, this business model isn't outlandish at all. Last August, a company called Red Hat, which provides technical

Print Subscription

Digital Subscription

Already have an account? Log In Now.