Abstract
This chapter outlines the background for understanding the relations between firms and open source communities. It briefly describes the methodology and data sources, and then describes how the relations between firms and communities evolve over time in four different case studies. One important mechanism determining an Open Source Software (OSS) firm's possibility to create a sustainable business model and an advantage vis-à-vis its competitors is the relations it may have with OSS communities. The chapter explores the relations that OSS firms have with their communities, and how these relations evolve over time and interplay with the business strategies of the OSS firms. To leverage the potential benefits of the communities, firms need to have capabilities and in-house expertise to assimilate and align their work with that of the community. Being heavily involved in the activities of communities may yield access to valuable resources but also limit the firms' room for strategic action as a result of the different interests and values of firms and communities.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
