The Network Characteristics of Open Source Software Business � a Multi-disciplinary Case Study (Track 3, Session 1)
Author(s) :
Juha J�rvensivu (Tampere University of Technology, Finland)
Nina Helander (Tampere University of Technology, Finland)
Abstract : This paper presents a multi-disciplinary approach to the phenomenon of Open Source software development, covering the issue of Open Source network characteristics both from technological and more business-oriented industrial network point of view. The paper has a strong empirical focus, as the aim of the paper is to analyze Open Source software network characteristics through an in-depth, qualitative case study of a one specific Open Source community, called Laika. We have gathered data related to Laika both by discussing with the people involved in Laika project and by participative observation in Laika project. The network analysis carried out and presented in this paper is, however, only a snapshot of the Laika project and its external network structure. Although this paper presents only a snapshot of Laika�s external network, we believe that Laika offers an interesting field to address the issue of Open Source networks. In this paper, we will introduce and analyze the Laika network, through the elements of mutuality, interdependence, distance, priorities, different power relations, and investments made in the relationships. Based on our findings from the case study we will present the concept of "super-communities", which are collections of Open Source communities working for a common good. Towards the end of the paper, we will also discuss what kind of future research we will carry out in this interesting research field.

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