This allows thousands of programmers to work on improving and spreading the program, as has happened with the popular Linux operating system. The Nullsoft programmers who invented the program say they aren't involved in the new versions of Gnutella. But the open-source community has taken their original software, examined the way it works, and created a set of rules for programs that work the same way. Several new versions have since sprung up, and more are being developed every week for Windows and other operating systems. The record companies themselves are beginning to recognize that their salvation lies outside the courts, despite the full-bore effort against Napster.
Technology is the way to go.
The portal that launched today is a first version of what eventually will be a far broader offering for developers and users of the Gnutella software. It contains close to a dozen variations of the programs, along with the technical information needed to write new versions. The loosely affiliated group of programmers running the Gnutella site say they expect the portal to be contacted by the record industry or other copyright holders at some point. But even if that call comes, they say it won't do any good. Inc. All rights reserved.