The Ecosystem

This chapter describes how open-source software (OSS) has changed over the past several years and uses the ecosystem metaphor to depict its current state. It then considers commons and the various institutions—business, governments, universities, nonprofit organizations, and scientific research organizations—that are interested in using, developing, or promoting OSS technologies. The chapter also examines the motivations driving those institutions’ interest, such as the desire to achieve interoperability and establish open standards, reduce costs for information technology, contribute to the public good, and promote economic development.