Final answer:
The development of Linux disrupted the high-tech industry by reducing costs with its free, open-source model and fostering innovation through global collaboration. This democratization of software development enabled more startups to emerge and forced large companies to adapt, leading to a mixed ecosystem of proprietary and open-source software.
Step-by-step explanation:
The development of open source operating systems like Linux has significantly altered the economics of the high-tech industry. By providing a free and customizable alternative to proprietary software, Linux has introduced a new level of competition and innovation in the market. Companies can reduce costs by utilizing open-source platforms, which do not require expensive licensing fees. Furthermore, it has enabled a collaborative environment where developers from around the world can contribute to the improvement and enhancement of the software.
This democratization of software development has spurred the growth of many tech startups and companies who now have access to a powerful, scalable, and cost-effective operating system. In addition, it has also encouraged large companies to support and invest in open-source projects, recognizing the value that such collaboration can bring to their own services and technologies. Consequently, Linux has helped shift the focus from solely proprietary software to a more mixed ecosystem where open-source and proprietary software coexist, fostering more rapid technological advancement and a broader dispersion of IT skills.