InfoWorld OSBC: The Threat of Open Source Zombies

Topic: The Threat of Open Source Zombies
Panelists: Rod Johnson, CEO, SpringSource
Dave Rosenberg, CEO & Co-Founder, MuleSource
Javier Soltero, CEO, Hyperic

Open source software is now critical to the enterprise and has long been critical to the rise of Internet companies like Google and Amazon. The long-term viability of open source in the enterprise hinges on the engagement model of users, and reward for IP creation. Users' engagement model with open source falls into two types of activities: consuming and sustaining. If the former becomes the predominant behavior, and many of the common myths surrounding open source are not squelched, open source could end up having a negative influence on the industry. Without "sustaining" activities such as paying for support/training, contributing documentation and patches, participating in forums, etc., the open source industry could evolve into "horror of the open source zombies" - lack of funding beyond VCs and hobbyists, degradation of software quality and lack of investment and innovation.

For more information visit: http://www.infoworld.com/event/osbc/08/osbc_sessions.html