Open Source

• Examples– Linux; Apache; Firefox

• Requirements– Distributed w/ source code– License allows for modifications (GPL)– License remains w/ any modified code– Free (cost) version available

Open Source: History

• UNIX Hacker culture, 1960s• GNU project, 1983 (Stallman)• Free Software Foundation, 1985• Linux development, 1991 (Torvold)• Cathedral and Bazaar, 1997 (Raymond)• Mozilla Project, 1997• Firefox, 200x

Open Source: requirements

• Strong Leadership (Torvold)• A useful project (Free OS)• Strong volunteer community• Appropriate license (GPL)• Appropriate communications infrastructure

(internet)

Advantages of Open Source Devt.

• Network effects• Guarantees against “lock-in”• Free-rider ?• Opportunities for commercial providers (Red

Hat for Linux)?• Pricing per unit or for service ?

Open Source: Life Cycle

• Complete alpha version (Linux)• Extending product life cycle (Mozilla)

Open Source: Biz Models

• Cost Sharing (Apache server)• Risk-sharing• Market positioning (Mozilla)• Razor (units) and blades (service): Red Hat and

Linux