@Merko:
I disagree with your second post (the one about SWOT). It's just a
tool, so it is only as good as the people doing it.

I am myself a "techical man" (and used to be a professional
programmer), so I'm used to hearing that anything that's "non
technical" is bullsh*t... However, when this kind of brainstorming
techniques are used by KNOWLEDGEABLE people (like the MOS team, who,
as you said, know the market) the results can be quite impressing.

So I was only wondering, whether the MOS team took the time to do a
"proper" analysis of the situation (and no, neither "living the
sitation", nor each team member keeping to himself is an analysis
;-)). So, following through with a protocol (call it SWOT, call it
whathever you want) can help the participants keep focused in the
discussion at hand.

As for your other post (the long one), I must say that I can see your
point of view (even if I don't agree 100 % with what you say).

@CISC:
I do understand why you reacted like that, but I think granny's
intention was not telling you what to do. He believes in the potetial
of the OS (as I do, but that is a different story), and he would
probably want to see it realize that potential.

Now, let me ask you ONE question (since we, outsiders, have little
visibility on what's going on in the MOS team):
Did you (the team) ever got _together_ to do some brainstorming
about the future of MOS? Maybe even bringing in some "outsiders" in
the discussion, since I very much doubt that the team competence pool
covers ALL the possible fields of informatics; even though it shows
that you are an extremely talented bunch, the possibilities are so
vast that it is not possible for you to know everything: SCADA
systems, satellites, data acquisition systems (original amigas
were QUITE often used for this, even at NASA), avionics, ship
automation, embedded, desktops, etc.

Finally, let me say for clarity's sake that I'm not advocating
granny's plan, nor a plan of my own device. I agree with Hawk, I'm
sure there are opportunities out there, you just* need to find them.

* "Just" is somewhat light as an statement, since it is the most
difficult part of bussiness creation, and one of the main factors in
the success or failure of the enterprise. Of, course, the best way to
AVOID finding an opportunity is by NOT looking for it (I'm not saying
that it is the case, I simply don't know).