oss project management - fossa2010

Project Management in Free Software Projects

Martin MichlmayrHewlett-Packardtbm@hp.com

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Project Management in Free Software

Some claim that there is no management in FOSSThere is only self-coordination and self-assignment oftasksTrue to some extent – but not the whole pictureDecrease of coordination requirements is goodBut coordination is still needed

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Seriously, what is “Project Management” anyway?

LeadershipCoordinationOrganizationPlanningMotivation

It’s important to know ones limits!Project management also important for developers

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

What is an “open source” project?

“Open Source” and “FOSS” really just refer to a licenseThe classical model: distributed (global), done byvolunteersNow it’s not so clear anymore

(Figure by James Howison)

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Starting a Project

It’s easy to start a project (see SourceForge)Duplication of effortNIH (Not Invented Here)Choice of programming languageUnderestimation of effortLegal questions (e.g. license)Competition might be good

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Cathedral vs Bazaar – or Cathedral and Bazaar

Raymond’s Bazaar model

Thousands of contributorsPeer review

You cannot start a project in the bazaarLogical conclusion: migration from cathedral to bazaar

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Transition

You have to:attract the interest of othersgive them controlcoordinatemake it fun!

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Sustained Development

DocumentationAttracting volunteersJoining a project, group etiquetteInfrastructureQuality assurance, release management

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Management

Different management stylesDo coordinateAsk people in private, not on mailing listsKnow your people: what they’re good at, what theirpersonal circumstances areGetting rid of people (incompetent, trolls, inactive, busy)Mentoring people

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Real Life Meetings

developer/hack sessions: can be effectivesocial/pub: can be motivating

Downsides: not everyone can participateWrite minutesDo not make major decisions in real life

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Corporate Involvement

Paid people vs volunteersHow can your project benefit from corporate involvement?And how do they benefit?Create a win-win situation

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Foreseeing Problems

GrowthControlDependence on core maintainer: run over a bus, growingup, letting loseInactive and incompetent volunteers

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects

Conclusions

Ask many questions

Do you need to start a project?How can you get involved in an existing one?What can you do? What are they lacking?

Coordination is importantSelf-coordination tooLook at other projectsBe a good example!

Martin Michlmayr Project Management in Free Software Projects