Why should software developers who create local customisations of open source software take the further step of submitting their changes back to the main project? While it takes more effort initially, having these changes integrated in the project becomes efficient in the long run: local modifications need not be re-applied at every upgrade, and the project takes over their maintenance. Also, by building up a record of useful contributions, one can gain influence in shaping the project's future.This OSS Watch workshop will present this argument in greater detail, explaining how developers engaged in customisations of open source software should make these contributions. Some examples of projects that benefited from this type of engagement of their developers with open source software will be presented by people directly involved in these processes.
Ross Gardler on 19 Aug 09A recent IDC study reveals that worldwide revenue from open source software (OSS) will grow at a 22.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach $8.1 billion by 2013. This forecast is considerably higher than 2008 for three reasons: (1) the bottom-up list used to calculate the revenue has expanded through an exhaustive effort to include more projects in this forecast; (2) open source software has had a much higher level of acceptance over the past 12 months than previously expected, and; (3) the economy accelerated the uptake and use of open source software in the closing months of 2008.
