Indeed, software wants to be free. Which is a major problem for software vendors, both best of breed and ERP. I doubt this means there will be a comeback of the ERP vendors. Have you seen how cheaply SAP is pushing e-sourcing these days? Not much margin in there for them, even. Whyabe is already free if all you want is a piece of e-sourcing software. Coupa is almost free if you are interested in e-procurement.

The market’s reaction to the news was muted, at best. See http://alanbuxton.wordpress.com/2007/10/31/bravo-and-verticalnet-what-the-markets-think/

See also Michael L’s comment on the post.