Open Source (linux) giving new life to some older software
Internet news has an article about open source (specifically the GPL license) giving new life to several old software ideas. Gopher is mentioned as is the atari 2600, amiga os among others.
Also, they mention that old hardware has gotten a new lease on life in part because of linux. There is a variety (LUnix) little Unix, designed to run on Commodore 64, giving new life to the old hardware.
In some cases, they cite, a software project really only takes off after being open sourced. They also mention that some are open sourced officially and some are just revers engineered. I think that ANY piece of technology that is about to be ABANDONED needs to be set free. That can only help to make sure that old file formats and standards are accessible for years to come.