Open Source

1
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

2
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

3
Open Source requirements

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

4
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 ?

5
Open Source Life Cycle

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

6
Open Source Biz Models

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