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The problem is that it is a self-amplifying logic, a self-fulfilling prophecy of disaster: you pick Linux because it's easier to hire, so there's less job offer
by astrobe_ 4y ago
The problem is that it is a self-amplifying logic, a self-fulfilling prophecy of disaster: you pick Linux because it's easier to hire, so there's less job offers for FreeBSD, so job seekers (and schools) focus on Linux, so it's harder to hire FreeBSD sysops and easier to hire Linux sysops.
That's how we create software mono-cultures, end up being forced to use mediocre software, and how searching for vulnerabilities becomes very profitable (ransomware etc.). Companies should think about the ecosystems they live in, not only about their sole immediate profit.
- cogman10 4y ago> Companies should think about the ecosystems they live in, not only about their sole immediate profit. I contend that companies ARE thinking about the ecosystems they live in when they pick the boring things everyone else is doing. That's what drives picking boring technology is the ecosystem surrounding that tech (Libraries, articles, experts, education, etc). Ecosystem is more than just the diversity of choices. Software doesn't live in a bubble and we are long past the days when an interesting language feature can trump modern infrastructure. A company that decides to write their app in Erlang because it's neat and interesting will be at a disadvantage to a competitor who decides to do the same project in java. Even though erlang has a lot of neat features, java has a giant ecosystem and support structure.
- astrobe_ 4y ago> That's what drives picking boring technology is the ecosystem surrounding that tech ... And a "pinch" of risk aversion too.