LordRork / Member

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PlayStation Network - The Case for an Open System

If the recent hacking of PSN proves one thing, it proves that putting all your eggs in one basket is a bad thing. In computer terms it's a centralised system, and it's the only choice you've got if you're a PS3 user. PS3 users have a simple choice - you either use PSN...or you don't - There are no alternatives for the PS3 and as the current situation proves, once it's down you're stuck without online connectivity until Sony fixes it.

Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft prefer a closed system for the consoles, the hardware itself is a closed system; firstly it ensures they have a steady revenue stream over the lifetime of the console, particularly if there are subscription fees as you get with PSN+ and XBL.

But does it suit the user? I would say not. As a user you are entirely beholden to the company - they set the prices, they control the distribution and what gets on the system. Microsoft, famously, only allows one free DLC pack per game...much to some developer's (such as Valve) annoyance. While there is competition between the consoles, there is no competition within each console "arena". Price and quality of service are driven by competition - without it the owner is free to do what they like...within reason.

Open platforms are the most resilient and most competitive - Android, Windows, Steam (and its competitors), the World Wide Web itself are all open platforms or operate in a competitive environment in the case of Steam. They all have to react to market forces if they want to survive, although Google is increasing its grip on Android as the phone makers try to offer something unique to their users and to make themselves stand out.

If one part of an open platform falls, one of two things will happen:

  1. There will be an alternative service available
  2. In the case of open source, a fix will become readily available

The choices and influence of the users are always a significant factor. Every retailer in the Digital Distribution market probably could charge some sort of membership fee for some, or all, of the services they provide, but they know they would be crushed overnight as users choose one that is free. Gmail is a classic example of offering everything its main rival at the time, Hotmail, did for an additional cost...and Gmail went on to dominate and even change the business model of Hotmail.

Choice drives up quality and keeps the market in check. It would be a brave choice for the console makers to take, but choice could save them from a lot of the troubles that have plagued Sony and are an ever-present spectre for Xbox Live and Nintendo.