The Business Of Open Source

Presenter: JT Smith

Description: How can you capitalize off an open source project without selling your soul? The Business of Open Source shows you how, using real life examples presented by someone who has achieved that very goal, twice; once using angel investors and once through a completely organic community approach. This presentation will walk you through every step of the process, from inspiration to implementation. Learn how to turn your dream into reality: establish an open source project, create a thriving open source community, and effectively deal with nay-sayers along the way.

Then, find out how to take the project to the next level by establishing a professional services business to support the project, and learn about the pitfalls and hurdles you may encounter along the way. Find out how success can be your biggest problem, and how to establish the balance needed to manage your business's growth without sacrificing the spirit of the open source project. Even if entrepreneurship isn't on your horizon, the story itself is a fun and educational ride.

Topics Covered:
1. How to create a balance between a profitable business and an open source project.
2. How to manage and motivate an open source community.
3. What to do when success becomes your biggest problem.
4. How to communicate the benefits of change to others.
5. How to deal with and understand risk.
6. How to effectively silence the nay-sayers.