The Ultimate Low-Cost Producer

The American software industry has recently been “threatened” by competition with India, causing speculation that previously libertarian programmers might start becoming protectionist. I find that hard to believe. After all, open-source programming is an even lower-cost producer than India and I've heard little protest about it.

Meanwhile there are mitigating factors:

• Cheaper programs mean more computer use and the more computers are used, the more paid advice will be needed. Giving such advice is easier and more reliable when you can look over the customer's shoulder.
• If software customers are saving money on cheap programmers, they can buy more of your stuff.
• If Indians are richer they can also buy more of your stuff.