The Business and Economics of Linux and Open Source (HP strategic books) (Paperback)

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Product Description

Open Source has become a buzzword synonymous with growth and change in computing. Many of the Fortune 500 companies have made huge investments in Open Source technology. This book examines the Open Source movement, what's worked and why, and explains the technology to the mainstream investor and manager looking to replicate the successes of the Open Source movement. The book begins with an overview of the business motivations for deploying Linux and Open Source applications in the enterprise, then covers the details of what Linux is, understanding the effect of open source licenses on business and a view into the wide ranging open source communities doing active development. Next, the book takes a look at how Linux is distributed to the end user base and takes a look at the true costs of Linux and open source. In the final section, the book explains in detail how open source development takes place and how business can and should take advantage of it. The book ends with a series of open source business models and a listing of talent management working within the open source community.

From the Back Cover

The manager's guide to using Linux and open source for competitive advantage.

Using Linux and open source technologies, thousands of enterprises are cutting costs, gaining flexibility, and discovering powerful new sources of business value. Now, there's an objective, realistic manager's guide to using Linux and open source technology for competitive advantage. Martin Fink helps you get past both the hypesters and the naysayers, so you can accurately assess the benefits, costs, and risks of open source in your organization. Writing strictly from the manager's viewpoint, Fink covers every step of the Linux and open source project lifecycle, and every crucial issue, from licensing to collaborating with the open source community of developers. Coverage includes:

"A thought-provoking analysis of the role of open source software in the corporate environment. A must-read guide for managers considering how open source can help their organization."

—Tim O'Reilly, O'Reilly and Associates, Inc.

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