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Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A. Author/Speaker/Consultant
Marcus P. Zillman, M.S., A.M.H.A. Author/Speaker/Consultant Internet Happenings, Events and Sources
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Seven New Papers on Opensource.mit.edu
Paper 1
Authors:
Casadesus-Masanell, Ramon & Pankag Ghemawat
Title:
Dynamic Mixed Duopoly: A Model Motivated by Linux vs. Windows http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/masanellghemawat.pdf Abstract:
This paper analyzes a dynamic mixed duopoly in which a profit-maximizing competitor interacts with a competitor that prices at zero (or marginal cost), with the cumulation of output affecting their relative positions over time. The modeling effort is motivated by interactions between Linux, an open-source operating system, and Microsofts Windows in the computer server segment, and consequently emphasizes demand-side learning effects that generate dynamic scale economies (or network externalities). Analytical characterizations of the equilibrium under such conditions are offered, and some comparative static and welfare effects are examined.
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Paper 2
Authors:
Demil, Benoit & Xavier Lecocq
Title:
Neither market or hierarchy or network: The emerging bazaar governance http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/demillecocq.pdf Abstract
Despite the growing body of literature describing the open-source phenomenon, few contributions have been theoretically grounded and research has largely focused on the software industry. Drawing on transaction cost economics, we go beyond these limitations and advance that open source constitutes a new generic governance structure—which we label bazaar governance— based on a specific contract. We characterize this structure in terms of its strengths and weaknesses and in comparison with market, firm and network structures. We consider how bazaar governance is actualized within an industry and the institutional entrepreneur’s crucial role in this process. Finally, we propose that bazaar governance has a profound impact on the structure of the industry in which it is introduced.
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Paper 3
Authors:
González-Barahona, Jesús M & Gregorio Robles
Title:
Free software engineering: A field to explore http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/barahonarobles.pdf Abstract:
The challenge of free software is not that of a new competitor who, under the same rules, produces software faster, cheaper and of a better quality. Free software differs from "traditional" software in more fundamental aspects, starting with philosophical reasons and motivations, continuing with new economic and market rules and ending up with a different way of producing software. Software Engineering cannot ignore this phenomenon, and the last five years or so has seen ever more research into all these issues. This article takes a look at the most significant studies in this field and the results they are producing, with a view to providing the reader with a vision of the state of the art and the future prospects of what we have come to call free Software Engineering.
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Paper 4
Authors:
Lakhani, Karim R & Bob Wolf
Title:
Why Hackers Do What They Do: Understanding Motivation and Effort in Free/Open Source Software Projects http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/lakhaniwolf.pdf Abstract:
In this paper we report on the results of a study of the effort and motivations of individuals to contributing to the creation of Free/Open Source software. We surveyed 684 software developers in 287 F/OSS projects, to learn what lies behind the effort put into such projects. Academic theorizing on individual motivations for participating in F/OSS projects has posited that external motivational factors in the form of extrinsic benefits are the main drivers of effort. We find in contrast, that enjoyment-based intrinsic motivation, namely how creative a person feels when working on the project, is the strongest and most pervasive driver. We also find that user need, intellectual stimulation derived from writing code, and improving programming skills are top motivators for project participation.
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Paper 5
Authors:
Stewart, Katherine J & Sanjay Gosain
Title:
Impacts of ideology, trust, and communication on effectivness in open source software development teams http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/stewartgosain.pdf Abstract:
This paper develops a framework of the OSS ideology (including specific norms, beliefs, and values) and a theoretical model to show how components of the ideology, combined with trust and communication, impact effectiveness in OSS teams. The research model proposes distinct roles for affective trust, cognitive trust, social communication, and task communication as determinants of OSS team effectiveness. The results suggest that in order for OSS projects to grow into the kind of large successes that prior work has studied, the teams that work on them should foster the norms and values of the larger community and maintain consistent task communication to develop cognitive trust among members.
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Authors:
van Reijswoud, Victor & Corrado Topi
Title:
Alternative Routes in the Digital World: Open Source Software in Africa http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/reijswoudtopi.pdf Abstract:
Software allows people to work with computers. Operating Software controls the hardware components and application software provide tools to facilitate and support the users' work. Most of the softwares are owned by private people or companies and users by licenses to use the software. This type of software is called proprietary or closed source software since the user purchases a license for using the product and the actual product (source code). At present Microsoft and Oracle are the biggest producers of this type software in the world. In the two decades a new approach for software development is emerging. Open Source Software movement is built on the premise that better software is produced when everyone is allowed to modify and change the software. So, in stead of selling user licenses, the product (source code) is distributed. The article discusses the differences between Open and Closed Source Software and reasons that organizations in the African context should decide to embrace the Open Source Software initiative. Several emerging initiatives promoting the use of Open Source Software are considered.
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Paper 7
Author
Barnes, Jonathan
Title:
Open Source Software as an organisational Technology http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/barnes.pdf Abstract:
This paper is still relatively preliminary, yet it provides a decent introduction to open source, as well as including discussion on various economic issues, contained in the following sections: The benefits of Open Source, Possible incentives that encourage contribution, Barriers to widespread implementation of Open Source.
posted by Marcus Zillman |
5:24 AM
