The article with the above title, from Josh Lerner and Jean Tirole in The Journal of Economic Perspectives-Volume 19, Number 2-Spring 2005-Pages 99-120, gives a solid introduction to the world of Open Source and specifically open source software, where many of the major advances in this movement are focused. The article highlights some of the areas where open source is already employed significantly, an example being Linux running 23% of servers as of 2005. I am sure this number is even higher. In fact, I recall reading elsewhere that Linux has also made headway in running on many mobile gadgets and other platforms and that the disaster of Windows Vista is making many other potential users opt for others possibilities. Linux, and specifically Ubuntu, is going to make significant impacts throughout the industry in the years to come.
But, one of the questions remain. Why are programmers spending time writing code for free? Lerner and Tirole give some explanation, highlighting a few of the possible incentives for programmers to do so, including opportunities to work on skills that will be valuable when looking for other job opportunities. In addition, the challenge and interest of working on these projects can not be underestimated, many of which are worked on while these programmers are being paid at their respective jobs. Some argue that they are developing skills more quickly that are in fact valuable to their present employers. There are a myriad of other reasons that Lerner and Tirole go on to explain and I do not plan to rehash all their arguments.
Filed under: software
