on Jun 11th, 2007$100 Laptop - the next market for monopoly
People are always on the lookout for the next software market and a chance to consolidate. But more often than not, a market is entered by a minimum of three players of which one struggles to hold on to the pole position. Take blogging for example, Blogger came in and made things real jazzy but others were soon to follow and now wordpress is giving blogger a serious run for its money. Similarly, in every available space, there are entrants and uniques and the entrants are usually taken over by google 
So whats the next big market ? its the $100 laptop. Almost everyone wants to take a shot at something in that project. Even MS got into the act and decided to give out XP for $3. What makes this market lucrative is its sheer number. Its estimated that millions of laptops will be sold and if the project does well, the same will even be extended to third world/developing countries in an effort to provide some exposure and also bridge the cultural and geographic divide. The laptop in itself is a marvel in design. Popularly called XO , this machine is designed with the emerging countries in mind and a lot of work has gone into its usability front.
Yes, its an educational project, not a commercial one, but still once those children grow up and begin to realize the importance of software, they will be clamoring to use better and better. More importantly, its the recognition of a brand that will touch millions of people. Everybody wants a piece of it …. do you ?
If you are a developer and you are interested in knowing more about the XO project and wish to contribute then you can read their wiki here or visit their development portal.