Publications
Publications
- December 2005
- HBS Case Collection
IBM and Eclipse (A)
Abstract
IBM faces a collective action problem: It open sourced its $40 million application platform and has to convince other companies to contribute. Explores the events leading up to IBM's decision to make the Eclipse platform available as an Open Source project. In 1998, Lee Nackman, director of architecture for the application and integration middleware of the IBM Software Group, initiates the development of a software platform that would enable IBM products to offer better interoperability and a common look and feel. In the years that follow, Lee faces the challenge of getting the platform adopted within IBM and the need to manage carefully its evolution. The Eclipse platform works and gains momentum, but IBM would like to create an ecosystem of complementing applications developed by independent software vendors (ISVs). In 2001, IBM forms the Eclipse Consortium and makes the Eclipse platform available as Open Source software. Despite the popularity of the Eclipse platform, ISVs still hesitate to deliver complementing applications and to contribute actively back to the platform. Market analysts are not sure whether this project is truly open source. Lee and his colleagues are trying to decide whether the Open Source strategy was the right choice. Also, how can IBM alleviate the concerns of ISVs and encourage their participation?
Keywords
Digital Platforms; Open Source Distribution; Cooperation; Adoption; Computer Industry; Information Technology Industry
Citation
O'Mahony, Siobhan, Fernando Cela Diaz, and Evangelos Mamas. "IBM and Eclipse (A)." Harvard Business School Case 906-007, December 2005.