Open source is everywhere! It’s time to go open source!
These words have been uttered in many different ways by many different industry experts in recent years; and even if you haven’t gotten the memo or still have no clue what open source is, chances are you’re already using it anyway. Open source is no longer the exception, it has become the rule; so much so that many people find themselves unwittingly using open source software and technologies.
It may seem strange to think that a business model based on giving valuable things for free would work so well. But there’s definitely more to open source than just giving things away– there’s a relationship formed here that both developers and users value more than anything. It is this relationship that’s driven open source success.
Trading Control for Passion and Trust
This relationship starts with passion. When people are passionate about something, involvement comes freely, naturally and almost endlessly. It is this passion that open source spurs and nurtures, and is the fuel that keeps its machinery going. It’s a passion that starts with inspired developers and transparent organizations, and spreads to a well-built community.
Companies offer the heart of their products for free out of a passion for their product. But when they do so it’s not really free because in exchange, users give their time, effort and loyalty, and contribute in building a passionate community. There is a trust developed here, an invaluable trust that is initiated by companies and organizations. By letting go of complete control over their software and how users use it, these organizations show their trust in the community. And the community reciprocate that trust by offering their time and skills to improving the software.
Developing Trust while Developing Software
Trust is the key to a dedicated community, and a dedicated community to a successful open source project. But as in any relationship, trust must continuously be earned and developed. That means that companies and organizations must not only keep their software open source but also do whatever they can to assist and support the communities that support them. Being responsive to their needs and providing them with the information they need are just a few ways that this can be done.
But of course, mistakes sometimes happen. While this can shake the trust of some users, handling these incidents correctly and with a focus on the users can correct these situations and will only make that trust grow stronger.
With Mutual Trust Comes Mutual Success
In conclusion, open source works because the trust is mutual and the resulting success is mutual. Users reap the benefits of innovative open source software solutions and organizations reap the benefits of a thriving, trusting and dedicated community. Certainly it takes a lot of work and more often than not, trials and mistakes along the way, but in the end it’s always worth it.
It is really very informative.