multiple distros and value creation for customers

The Linux system software space is characterized by multiple distributions or distros!

Some of the distros are:
YES
DeMuDi
Devil
Litrix
Redhat
Mandrake
Slackware
Debian
Ubuntu
PCQLinux
Yoper
Knoppix
Xandros
Linspire
etc. etc.

So, the question is, why do we have so many distros ?
Maybe a better question would be 'what makes a distro unique' ?

After all the distro guys just don't make up a distro, so that they have some fun and are through.

A distro
'targets' a customer segment,
'solves' a particular set of problems/issues
'envisions' what a customer would appreciate
'imagines' the relationship between the system and the user
'selects' the Linux packages that are put together to deliver value
'localizes' the interface for a given group or community and
'delivers' an .iso image burnt on a CD/DVD for the enduser

Since the various Linux developer folks are focussed on solving problems based
on some or all of these factors, there is immense creation of value for the customer
and an attendant evolution of the market place.

The customer gets to pick and choose packaged solution offerings based on her/his requirements and situations. The customer may begin with one distro and then move over to some other distro
depending on the evolution of her/his needs.

The creation of a 'market place' or 'bazaar' is essential, since that helps push up the quality of the software thats delivered to the customer. It is in these market/mindshare gains of the distros that the cummulative growth of Linux systems is achieved.

There is also "healthy" competition among the distro developers since all are seeking more market share (read customers) and mindshare (read customers).

Its the customer that matters and it is for the customer that we create value.

Welcome to the 'prgamatic' Linux and Open Source market place!