Classroom Companion: Business

 
Chapter 7 · Production Models

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Below follow examples of peer production initiatives in four different fields: 
software development, production of encyclopedia, proofreading of scanned 
books, and open hardware design.
 
► Example 7.1 Linux and GNU
Linux is a Unix-like operating system suitable for a wide range of computing devices: 
mainframe computers, smartphones, servers, personal computers, and several other 
types of electronic devices. It is built on free and open-source software. Linus Torvalds 
started the development of the platform in 1991. The idea was to develop an operat-
ing system like Unix consisting entirely of free software that could be loaded down 
by anyone free of charge. Since then, several hundred computer scientists have con-
tributed to the development of the software, and in several countries and regions, 
there exist loosely knit Linux User Groups promoting the software, assisting new 
users installing the software, and providing technical assistance and training. Anyone 
may contribute to the evolution of the software but without levying any wages for 
the work.
The goal of the GNU project is to provide an environment for collaborative soft-
ware development and distribution of free software. The distribution of the software 
is subject to GNU General Public License (GGPL), allowing users to run, share, and 
modify the software (also called copyleft conditions, (see 
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https://www. gnu. org/
copyleft/
). The license guarantees that there are no hidden intellectual property rights 
or other restrictions of usage associated with the software or other products licensed 
by GNU such as specifications, design descriptions, and hardware. The Linux kernel 
and several other free software packages not developed in the GNU project itself are 
Digital service
CBPP platform
Collaborators
. Fig. 7.2 The commons-based peer production model. (Authors’ own figure)