The visualization market: open source vs. commercial approaches

Abstract

This forum examines the question of when commercial software makes sense and when open-source software is more appropriate. Visualization software runs the gamut from very general-purpose applications intended for the graphically challenged to highly specific software libraries intended for the sophisticated visualization expert. Where along that spectrum is the realm of commercial software, and where does open-source software make sense? Should all visualization software be open source? Why might end users choose to purchase visualization tools instead of using opensource tools?