A Social Network Approach to Free/Open Source Software Simulation

A Social Network Approach to Free/Open Source Software Simulation

http://conway.isri.cmu.edu/~jdh/research_papers/oss2005.pdf

Abstract
Free and Open Source Software (F/OSS) development is a complex process that is just beginning to be understood. The actual development process is frequently characterized as disparate volunteer developers collaborating to make a piece of software. The developers of F/OSS, like all software, spend a significant portion of their time in social communica- tions to foster collaboration. We have analyzed several methods of communication; a social networking site, project mailing lists, and developer weblogs; to gain an understanding of the social network structure behind F/OSS projects. This social network data was used to create a model of F/OSS development that allows for multiple projects, users, and devel- opers with varying goals and socialization methods. Using this model we have been able to replicate some of the known phenomena observed in F/OSS and provide a first step in the creation of a robust model of F/OSS.