The architecture of cooperation
Subtitle: does code architecture mitigate free riding in the open source development model?
By: Carliss Y. Baldwin, Kim B. Clark
Contributors: Clark, Kim B.; Harvard Business School. Division of Research
Series: Working paper / Division of Research, Harvard Business School -- 03-209; Working paper (Harvard Business School. Division of Research) -- 03-209
Publisher: Division of Research, Harvard Business School
Published: 2003
Place of publication: Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 62
Description: This paper argues that the architecture of a codebase is a critical factor that lies at the heart of the open source development process. To support this argument, we define two observable properties of an architecture: (1) its modularity and (2) its option values. Developers can make informed judgments about modularity and option value from early code releases. Their judgments in turn will influence their decisions to work and to contribute their code back to the community. We go on to suggest that the core of the open source development process can be thought of as two linked games played within a codebase architecture.
Notes: "This draft: June 1, 2003."

Includes bibliographical references.