Traces of the cat's shadow

(ripoff of /. comment concerning google earth?)

Here's the comparison table:

Open source calls it: alpha testing Microsoft calls it: 1.0 Google calls it: shhhh ... top secret. Apple calls it: unsubstantiated rumors

Open source calls it: beta testing Microsoft calls it: 2.0 Google calls it: beta testing Apple calls it: rumors with possibly some substance to them

Open source calls it: release candidate Microsoft calls it: 3.0 Google calls it: beta testing Apple calls it: copies are circulated to the usual suspects, who eagerly publish reviews describing it as the "most innovating product yet!"

Open source calls it: 1.0 Microsoft calls it: varies. Previous names have included 3.1, 95, 98, 4.0, 5.0 or X. Google calls it: beta testing Apple calls it: released to the market place, Steve Jobs goes on record to say that it is "insanely great".

Open source calls it: 2.0 Microsoft calls it: SP1,2,3... Google calls it: beta testing Apple calls it: a recall