Open source software has been important in creating a level playing field for people around the world. Software is now part of almost every business, so providing free software and access to source code allows businesses an equal chance to move their product. However, software is only part of the equation in any business.
Recently, my wife showed me a sewing pattern she had found on a website called Burdastyle: Open Source Sewing. Suddenly, a light came on in my mind. Open sourcing software is extremely important, but each industry has its own specialized set of data that could be open sourced. If the foundational dataset from each industry is open sourced, then small businesses will have an easier time launching new ideas. What would set companies apart and allow some to be successful would be the ability to innovate, specialize, or have some good ol' creativity. A new home builder could start making homes from blueprints that are freely available, then specialize their homes to a specific clientèle. An auto maker could start with a vehicle spec they found online, then innovate the design in some way to get a leg up on the competition.
Unfortunately, most industry players won't be interested in giving up even the smallest amount of data to their competition. Creating an open source movement in non-software industries will require a dedicated set of industry geeks to gather online in their own pseudo companies to share ideas. Why would they bother? For the prestige, for the fun, for the greater good. That's how the software geeks were motivated.
4 comments:
You make a good point. I think in time that most industries will open up, for the reasons you outline in the very end of your post. Maybe software was first just because it is inherently easy to share the key data for that industry.
Cool thoughts!
Curse you, Josh, for writing what I think before I think it! Curse you, Dave, for not using that mind-control beard to do something to stop it!
Seriously, though, I mentioned something semi-partially related to this in response to the music format post. The only problem I foresee is adapting open source info to a profit-making business model. I still don't know how the software people do it. Could someone please explain to me how Mozilla makes money?
Sorry if this comment isn't as serious or informed as my others, Dave. I swear, you better start using that beard.
Jeremy: I used the mind control beard. It was not in your favor. Mozilla doesn't make money. Companies make money by being able to use Mozilla products, so many companies like to improve Mozilla products to suit their needs and then contribute those improvements back to the community. Mozilla does have employees, but I doubt they make much money, and it's probably all from donations.
Actually, mozilla does have some commercial revenue, mainly from deals with google for making their search engine the default and directing people to google from the page that's shown when you first install firefox.
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