open source examples – linux; apache; firefox requirements – distributed w/ source code –...
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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