Perhaps, but often times the ideas come from a personal decision or a feeling from one person or department. The resulting software is often good for them but not good for the user base. Open source is the better answer because the ideas are coming from everywhere and the user base often contributes to the development of the software. This results in a more widely acceptable design and a more enjoyable product.
Operating systems are a perfect example.
Open source also forces manufacturers to open up their design specifications to allow drivers to be developed for a given product. ReplyNet is a subsidiary of Maden Technologies 2000 ReplyNet. All Rights Reserved.