Free software for optical industry?

[deb101]

http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?n...art=1&sparte=3
**********************
New ways to fuel the Open Source software development

If the current open source practices and rules don't entirely cover all real life needs from a developer or consumer standpoint, a new and refreshing alternative adds up to the way how software gets created, unleashing exciting new possibilities:

Sponsorware is sponsoring free software, a redefined concept as proposed by http://www.sponsorware.org.

Technically, a group of potential consumers may support and stimulate the creation of a program of their choice by making small donations that can pay the efforts of a volunteer programming team.
The result will be, however, entirely free software.
**********************
Looks like an association of sponsors or affiliates (?) could ask for the creation of software of their choice and then support the programmers that are interested to do it via small donations.
I thought some lab owners or doctors might be interested for like free practice management software, optical calculations, whatever. Cheap for sponsors and then free for everyone else.

Oops, the news link wasn't displayed correctly, here it is:
http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?n...art=1&sparte=3