This document discusses the concept of "open" as it relates to open source software and open cloud computing. It explores different definitions of open, including the four freedoms that define open source. It also addresses questions around who benefits from openness and how business models have evolved around open source. The document encourages questioning assumptions and perspectives on openness.
10. if (free == open) then ??
• The freedom to run the program as you wish, for any purpose (freedom 0).
• The freedom to study how the program works, and change it so it does your
computing as you wish (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a
precondition for this.
• The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
• The freedom to distribute copies of your modified versions to others (freedom
3). By doing this you can give the whole community a chance to benefit from
your changes. Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
11. if (free == open) then ??
• (freedom 0) can you really run a cloud?
• really?
• (freedom 1) can you change what you don’t understand?
• (freedom 2) can your neighbor really run a cloud?
• (freedom 3) if you got this far, sure, why not…
12. –Wikipedia
“The concept of free sharing of technological information existed
long before computers. For example, cooking recipes have been
shared and remixed since the beginning of human culture.”
13. In 1911, independent automaker Henry Ford won a challenge to
the Selden patent. The result was that the Selden patent became
virtually worthless and a new association was formed. The new
association instituted a cross-licensing agreement among all US
auto manufacturers: although each company would develop
technology and file patents, these patents were shared openly and
without the exchange of money between all the manufacturers. By
the time the US entered World War 2, 92 Ford patents and 515
patents from other companies were being shared between these
manufacturers, without any exchange of money (or lawsuits).”