Z:gnu-www-ja-free-world-notes--00b746-I would estimate that free sof/en

I would estimate that free software can be developed to quality standards that meet/exceed commercial software for less than 25% of the price of equivalent commercial software. This estimate is based on common R&amp;D expenditure levels plus a generous amount for those organizations which coordinate development and promote use. Given that free software is not compelled to become obsolescent (it can continue to be used as long as it is useful, whereas commercial software must obsolete old product to promote the sales of new), the costs for free software will decline over time, sharply except for the cases where new needs arise.