Waiting for F/OSS: Coordinating the production of free/open source software

Arbeitspapier

I analyze coordination of Free/Open Source Software (F/OSS) projects. Costs of waiting for F/OSS program to be released are borne by all agents until enough modules have been produced. Trade-off between producing a F/OSS module and freeriding is analyzed as a game of war of attrition, in which modules to be developed and potential developers are heterogeneous. It may be optimal to volunteer early for highprofile module that creates reputation and signals programming ability. It may be optimal to volunteer strategically for low-profile module even if high-profile module is available to speed up development process and reduce costs of waiting. Even if waiting brings the opportunity to free ride, there may be a rush to develop high-profile module at first opportunity. The model provides an explanation for how large-scale F/OSS projects can be coordinated without markets and prices nor hierarchies such as firms.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: ETLA Discussion Papers ; No. 884

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft
• Subject: Open Source Software ; War of Attrition ; Coordination ; Avoin lähdekoodi ; väsytystaistelu ; koordinointi ; Software ; Trittbrettfahrerverhalten ; Koordination

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Stenborg, Markku
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): The Research Institute of the Finnish Economy (ETLA)
• (where): Helsinki
• (when): 2003

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/63911
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:44 AM CET