I previously worked for an enterprise analytics software provider whose success hinged on low-cost license agreements to schools and universities. Once the company became more successful commercially, it took the same tact--substantially raising these fees in search of profitability. Today, the firm is under serious pressure from open source analytical libraries. The point being, what looks to be optimal in the short run may not be optimal in the long run, as future consequences could be anticipated but short term revenue growth was too tempting.
"Tack", from sailing: changing direction lets you use the wind differently. Two boats on the same tack are using the same wind strategy.
My workplace currently teaches students several proprietary systems that are now old and clunky (and of course expensive). We want to switch to open source competitors, but the how and when are rather complicated to coordinate. It will happen eventually though.
I previously worked for an enterprise analytics software provider whose success hinged on low-cost license agreements to schools and universities. Once the company became more successful commercially, it took the same tact--substantially raising these fees in search of profitability. Today, the firm is under serious pressure from open source analytical libraries. The point being, what looks to be optimal in the short run may not be optimal in the long run, as future consequences could be anticipated but short term revenue growth was too tempting.