All that's needed now are tools to make mass customization a reality. We didn't achieve mass customization of cars until Ford thought up the assembly line. We need the equivalent of the assembly line in the OS world: tools that provide rapid, fully supported mass market efficiency, reliability and consistency, while allowing for individuality.

Mass customization will become the de facto standard for those looking to create a fully supported, tailored OS experience. Ultimately, this is the best path toward a more efficient, higher-performing OS environment. This transformation will open up new possibilities that were previously unheard of in the enterprise and beyond.

Richards is senior program manager of Novell's SUSE Appliance Program.