Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Because the stated mission of the OSDL is to be the central body
for Linux expertise and to expand its usage, this short discussion of
Linux is relevant.
Open-source software and Linux in particular have established
an interesting and important niche in the larger software industry.
The widespread availability of source code under the GNU license
and the ability of thousands of people to make improvements have
led to many useful technical advances.
There has been opposition to the open-source movement from
established companies such as Microsoft, but the open-source com-
munity has been successful in creating new business and achieving
large numbers of satisfied customers.
PerfectMatch
PerfectMatch is one of a number of new companies in a very special niche. It
uses computers and software to provide matchmaking services for men and wo-
men seeking partners. This topic covers both the technical and social aspects of
software, and matchmaking is definitely a social issue. Other players in this su-
bindustry include EHarmony, Christian Mingles, and dozens of others. Some are
national, while others are local.
PerfectMatch was founded in August 2003 in Kirkland, Washington, by Duane
Dahl, Cindy Henry-Dahl, and Jason McVey. The company uses a questionnaire de-
signed by a psychologist, Dr. Pepper Schwartz, together with predictive analytics
and a large database of men and women who have specified a number of preferen-
ces.
A visit to the PerfectMatch website shows that some of the preferences that are
used include being a pet owner, being a vegan, being a Democrat or Republican,
and a host of other topics. Matchmaking is an ancient occupation with thousands
of years of history. Many civilizations, including ancient Rome, India, Japan, and
China, have used human matchmakers for centuries and still do in the modern era.
However, computers and software have added several new levels to matchmak-
ing. Among these is a much larger set of potential matches due to the World Wide
Web. The questionnaires used by various computer dating companies also seem to
be fairly sophisticated in sorting out personal interests and background topics that
may be relevant. This subindustry and PerfectMatch and its competitors show that
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