Final answer:
The development of open source operating systems, such as Linux, revolutionized the economic dynamics within the high-tech industry by offering free, customizable options that challenged the dominance of costly proprietary systems and broke software monopolies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Open Source on High Tech Economics:
The introduction and development of open source operating systems, such as Linux by Linus Torvalds, drastically altered the economic landscape in the high-tech industry. Proprietary operating systems, once dominating the market with their expensive licensing fees, were challenged by the rise of Linux, which offered a free and customizable alternative. The adoption of Linux across various sectors, notably in servers and embedded systems, allowed companies and organizations to significantly reduce costs. This economic shift led to a reduction in the market for expensive proprietary systems and, in some cases, completely replaced them in enterprises and computing infrastructure. The software monopoly held by giants like Microsoft was challenged, throwing open the doors to diverse software ecosystems and competition, which were hallmarks of a more cost-efficient and innovative technology sector.