Some good pointers to consider making a close source effort to open source. Here is an example of Ingres and how it transition from close source to open source.
Key points – and SCO/Unix fight has contributed to this learning.
- Comb every line of the source before opening it up and remove questionable references/code snippets
- Pick the right open source licence
- It takes some promotion and effort to attract open source community
- Security concerns are not any more vulnerable in Open Source than Close Source (Re-engineering usually attributes to similar security vulnerability than what one may find reviewing the source)
I would probably add following to the list:
- Understand business need. Both Closed Source and Open Source (or a combination) has its merit – so understand what problem is being tackled by opening the source
- Consider what open community suits the need and how it helps the community
- Consider business model and structural changes requiredÂ
- Consider the stage of product life cycle
