Open Source Ecosystems (NFJS)
Posted on November 11, 2004 by Scott Leberknight
Dave Thomas at it again, giving a really interesting presentation on what exactly Open Source development is, how it works, and what can be learned from they way it is written. I think the main points in this presentation were that open source is driven by a need (e.g. a developer scratching an itch), is measured the value or utility it provides, and is controlled by evolutionary pressure. This last point is interesting, since it basically translates to survival of the fittest. The evolutionary pressure ensures that only the best open source software thrives, the average open source projects survive, and the worst die off and are never heard from again. This formula makes it "likely to produce high-quality, applicable products." As a result, many developers prefer the best open source products over the best commercial offerings.
Dave mentioned several interesting tidbits that jive well with the survival of the fittest in the open source world. Specifically, that open source projecs are not "utopian communes of loving developers" and are instead characterized by dictator-driven meritocracies where the best rise to the top; brutal honesty between developers; and a focus on delivering value. What a shame most companies refuse to learn from this model.