The Game Theory of Open Code [LWN.net]

The Game Theory of Open Code

Posted Jul 17, 2002 4:56 UTC (Wed) by dwheeler (guest, #1216)
In reply to: The Game Theory of Open Code by DeletedUser2601
Parent article: The Game Theory of Open Code

For an essentially opposite conclusion based on game theory, see Open Source as ESS by David Rysdam. It applies game theory concepts to software licenses and argues that the GPL fundamentally ``wins'' over other licenses. I mention this in my Open source software/ Free software (OSS/FS) references.

(Log in to post comments)

The Game Theory of Open Code

Posted Jul 17, 2002 9:36 UTC (Wed) by DeletedUser2603 ((unknown), #2603) [Link]

That is an interesting article, but using very different assumptions. In my example we have an oligopoly of propietary players. In the example you link to you have a functioning market (no monopolies) of proprietary and open code players. In that situation I agree that the open code solution will win. If you read my draft you will find this passage which argues for the same result as the article you link:

"A third company, Company C, may enter the market with a database solution based on open code, hence dissolving the Prisoner's Dilemma for Company A and B, and - if Company C is well received by the market - force them to open their code."