MANY technology firms are floundering amid the recession. But many of the ones that offer services tied to open-source software—free programs written by volunteers who collaborate online—are boasting double-digit growth. Sales at Red Hat, the world’s biggest independent open-source firm with annual revenues of $653m, grew by 18% year-on-year in the first quarter.

It is no longer a secret that Microsoft’s brand is has slid down the gutter because various independent (and very recent) surveys were conducted to show this. Microsoft was seemingly the fastest-sinking brand and was also one of the fastest-sinking places to work for.

There are many reasons given for desktop Linux not "taking off". Some are accurate, others considerably less so. One of the challenges we face with KDE is creating a meaningful, visible brand that people value and relate to on an emotional level.

Most UK firms are happy to use open source software, but prefer to weigh up each project individually rather than automatically take the open route.

It's becoming increasingly clear that the Internet's perfect copying machine makes copyright largely irrelevant today: once a copy is online somewhere, it's impossible to take it down everywhere. Could the arrival of digital 3D printers like the open source RepRap do the same for patents, by making it possible for anyone to download and print off analogue objects?

Trademarks, names and reputation. Glyn Moody looks at the problems that arise when trying to keep control of your reputation and the different approaches taken by open source software projects.

Legal firms are rapidly expanding their open source practices as the legal challenges to developers and users mount.

Open source software (OSS) has now become a well recognised and utilised brand. A brand that, if we were to get a broad sweeping perception poll on, would generally stand for free, fair and cost effective. However, despite this growth, the battle between open source and traditional software still rages on whereby the pros and cons for each can be endlessly debated.

When it comes to selling a commercial open source product, how different is it really from selling a proprietary product? In the end, if it's a good product, the fact it's open source is probably a minor factor for buyers.