al implications of a overtly pragmatic analogy with open source. Subsequently it becomes possible to suggest a re-orientation, which is to say that it is to soon too present a fully formed comparison to Linux or that has a clear relationship to the many societal concerns in play.

Firstly, the main argument of this paper is twofold: (1) there is a convergence with open source in informatics that ranges from bio-informatics to synthetic biology and (2) the kind of alternative that is taking shape remains limited. These limitations are practical as explained above in the discussion of the priority that could be given to the users of DNA. Furthermore the potential for an alternative can be foregrounded by briefly comparing the potential for a more principled response that would seek to re-configure institutions and interests in support of those who possess the skills, tools and knowledge that are at stake in a world wherein living materials can be translated into informatic formats *and vice versa*.

How could an equivalent to a more principled stance on openness be understood? Such an analogy could begin by revisiting the FSF and its reaction to the commodification of source code, as discussed in section one. This does not imply that there is a fully-formed countermovement in place: it is too early days for any attempt at a comprehensive or definitive overview of the relationship of oepn source to the many issues on related policy-agendas or the social concerns that might benefit from such an alternative. Are there, however, any reasons to presume that there could not be another kind of analogy? What about seeking to mirror the discussion so far: to aim for an analogy with open source that seeks to follow the example set by the FSF in creating a bottom-up, transparent and decentralized movement that eventually might show the kind of innovation that is possible in a design process that does not exclude the priorities of any of its users?

When open licensing was first introduced, it was not clear whether this was le