In fact before the Internet the proprietary network protocols divided customers, locked them into providers and forced them to exchange much of their data by tape. It was unlocked by free and open innovation shared amongst all. The Internet is not the product of a corporation. The World Wide Web is not the product of a corporation. These great enabling technologies were created by co-operative innovation.
Empowerment stems from open free technology.
Proprietary technology can create innovations but they come with a terrible price. Customers are unable to combine innovations from competing companies. They also pay higher prices due to the lack of commoditisation. Try using a Wordperfect spell checker in Microsoft Word. Craig also talks about standards.