michele@dspace.org open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of...

Michele@dspace.org

Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of

distributed peer review and transparency of process.

The promise of open source is better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost,

and an end to predatory vendor lock-in.

-Open Source Initiative

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Becoming more prevalent

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University Library users

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Who owns the copyright?

Hackers are developing these systems

Can I get support when I need it?

Do I trust open source code to have integrity?

How do I know the community will exist over time?

It’s Free

Common perceptions

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Not all OSS is created equal

• Vibrant and active community• Level of adoption• Dependency on one organization• Number of developers participating• Service provider network• What is the software license• Managed by independent organization

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Role of independent organization

Very lightweightDirected, community source model

Legal owner of the copyrightMission centric

Provide guidance, support and infrastructure

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Organization structure

Min $500k operating budgetNo developers

Marketing/outreach

QA/release mgt.

Technical Subcontractors

Accounting/HR

Website and tools

System adm.

Fundraising

Executive Director

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DSpace historical funding

$0

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

$1,400,000

$1,600,000

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

IMLS

NARA

iCampus

CMI

Mellon

MIT direct

HP Labs

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What will the OSS landscape in higher ed look like?

. . .many more on the way