Considering that a lot of BeOS users were Amiga users before, it's natural that they'd be checking out AmigaOS again after Be died. I hope they/we find that AmigaOS has advanced beyond what BeOS is. I mean, I hope new features are added to AmigaOS so that it isn't just a PPC port of the older version with some updated legacy apps. BeOS had a lot of "buzzword" features, and AmigaOS should takeup where BeOS left off; otherwise, people other than hardcore fans are going to say "what's the point?"
As for the "big guns" of software, I think it's really doubtful that any will get on board any time soon. They are bottomline-driven, and if the user numbers aren't there, they won't even consider it. It just makes no sense for them financially. This is something that BeOS users are keenly aware of, since we went through this cycle fairly recently.
If AmigaOS hopes to attract major software developers, I think two things are necessary: First, a lot of users (or else a smaller number of heavy-spending users, as in a vertical niche market). Second, the OS needs standout features that will give the application software something major that the vendors can't get on the mainstream platforms, something that is quickly translateable into sales points for their products. The app vendors have to see AmigaO$ :-) .
Clearly the Amiga userbase will take time to ramp up. Amiga should be doing its utmost to encourage (bribe, blackmail or whatever) some great core third-party software development. This doesn't need to be from Adobe or Macromedia or MS, but it should be best-in-class, or close to it (or "new class" in the sense of being a new product category). It could be the product of a small outfit. The point is, even hardcore fans will stray from the platform if there isn't software to do everyday tasks in a way that is at least on par with the mainstream equivalents.
This could be an opportunity for established Amiga programs to be brought up to date. But I think the OS needs to be fully "modernized" and the apps as well, or else only old-time fans will be satisfied.
I think the majority of the apps for AmigaOS will be "homegrown," coming out of current or former Amiga developers, unless the OS has some really jawdropping qualities. Because these developers are basically individuals or small outfits, Amiga should do its best to coordinate with them.
Sorry for rambling; just some thoughts on the subject ;-) .
-- gary_c
