A valuable new account of the [open-source software]
movement.--Edward Rothstein"New York Times" (05/08/2004)
In the world of open-source software, true believers can be a
fervent bunch. Linux, for example, may act as a credo as well as an
operating system. But there is much substance beyond zealotry, says
Steven Weber, the author of "The Success of Open Source"...An
open-source operating system offers its source code up to be played
with, extended, debugged, and otherwise tweaked in an orgy of user
collaboration. The author traces the roots of that ethos and
process in the early years of computers...He also analyzes the
interface between open source and the worlds of business and law,
as well as wider issues in the clash between hierarchical
structures and networks, a subject with relevance beyond the
software industry to the war on terrorism.--Nina C. Ayoub"Chronicle
of Higher Education" (04/16/2004)
Weber sees the central issues raised by [open source software] as
property, motivation, organisation and governance. He uses a study
of the open source movement to illuminate the motivation of
programmers and the way [open source software] projects are
co-ordinated and governed, and to ask if there are lessons in it
for society...Weber's work brings to mind an earlier book, "The
Machine that Changed the World", a study of how Toyota's production
system transformed the way cars are made everywhere. That book made
two simple points: that the Toyota 'system' was a car, and that it
was not uniquely Japanese. Steve Weber's book can be--and
is--similarly summarised: 'Open source is not a piece of software,
and it is not unique to a group of hackers.' And it has the
potential to change the world.--John Naughton"The Observer"
(06/06/2004)
Weber's book deserves the glowing response it has received within
and outwith the computing community, and provides a careful,
thought-provoking study of an important phenomenon of the twentieth
century. For these reasons alone it is worth reading. And while it
will of course appeal to those interested or participating in the
Open Source movement, for the information professional, in
particular, it offers helpful insight into the advantages and
limits of sustainable models of cooperative effort that do not
depend on remuneration or hierarchy. This is particularly pertinent
as libraries increasingly make available metadata they have created
about digital or physical assets, and as they are involved in the
management of digital assets...[I]nformation professionals are
increasingly called on to administer, arbitrate, and communicate
about digital rights. Many of those they interact with in this
capacity, especially in an academic setting, will have been
influenced by the Open Source movem
Weber's ideas are timely and informative for anyone who wants to
explain or advocate Open Source..."The Success of Open
Source"...gives a readable, thought-provoking, and occasionally
funny account of what Open Source is and means, making it an
extremely valuable resource for those who want to engage and
discuss these issues on an intellectual level.--Joshua Daniel
Franklin"Slashdot" (05/17/2004)
While much in Weber's account will be familiar to anyone concerned
with this debate, his book should make this extraordinary
phenomenon understandable to a much wider audience...["The Success
of Open Source"] deserve[s] the careful attention of a wide
audience, including, especially, governments.--Lawrence
Lessig"London Review of Books" (08/18/2005)
is--similarly summarised: 'Open source is not a piece of software,
and it is not unique to a group of hackers.' And it has the
potential to change the world.
occasionally funny account of what Open Source is and means, making
it an extremely valuable resource for those who want to engage and
discuss these issues on an intellectual level.
structures and networks, a subject with relevance beyond the
software industry to the war on terrorism.
Source"] deserve[s] the careful attention of a wide audience,
including, especially, governments.
A valuable new account of the Ýopen-source software¨ movement. --
Edward Rothstein "New York Times" (05/08/2004)
Weber sees the central issues raised by Ýopen source software¨ as
property, motivation, organisation and governance. He uses a study
of the open source movement to illuminate the motivation of
programmers and the way Ýopen source software¨ projects are
co-ordinated and governed, and to ask if there are lessons in it
for society...Weber's work brings to mind an earlier book, "The
Machine that Changed the World," a study of how Toyota's production
system transformed the way cars are made everywhere. That book made
two simple points: that the Toyota 'system' was a car, and that it
was not uniquely Japanese. Steve Weber's book can be--and
is--similarly summarised: 'Open source is not a piece of software,
and it is not unique to a group of hackers.' And it has the
potential to change the world. -- John Naughton "The Observer"
(06/06/2004)
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
