Title: Open source software: emerging business models

Authors: Bhasker Mukerji, Bharat Maheshwari, Uma Kumar, Vinod Kumar

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, St. Francis Xavier University, P.O. Box 5000, Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2W5, Canada. ' Odette School of Business, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4, Canada. ' Eric Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, 707 Dunton Tower, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada. ' Eric Sprott School of Business, Carleton University, 1711 Dunton Tower, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada

Abstract: Several small and large firms have devised business models and strategies to use open source software (OSS) gainfully. However, despite the increasing popularity and success of some OSS, there is very little academic literature that provides clarity and guidance on developing business models with OSS. This paper contributes to the existing knowledge by critically analysing the various open source business models and then building a set of business models that encompass the current trends in this field. The models presented are supported by descriptions of organisations that have used them successfully.

Keywords: open source software; OSS licences; OSS community; OSS business models; open source business models.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIDS.2010.037229

International Journal of Information and Decision Sciences, 2010 Vol.2 No.4, pp.319 - 339

Published online: 30 Nov 2010 *

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