Converting Closed-Source Converting Closed-Source Projects to Open-SourceProjects to Open-Source

Dmitri GerchikovMark Paruzel

Ruhullah HassanYi Shen

What We Did (Scope)What We Did (Scope)

Research and write a generic plan for converting a close-sourced project to open-source.

Originally, the specific plan was to convert On-Time Time Sheets to open-source as a practical example.

How We Did It (Task Breakdown)How We Did It (Task Breakdown)

Research topics◦Communication methods◦Licensing◦Web tools and hosting◦Acquiring funds◦Staff management◦Version control

Assign and write individual sections

Combine into final paper.

ChallengesChallenges

Communications◦Failed to have frequent contact◦Reliance on single form of communications◦Possible solution: increase methods of

communications (e.g. phone, IM, etc.)

Meeting client needs◦No pre-delivery meetings with client◦Scrambled to meet needs by putting in

overtime shifts◦Possible solution: increase client involvement

Deliverable ExcerptsDeliverable Excerpts

What We LearnedWhat We Learned

Communication is key◦Both between team members and clients

Contingency planning is critical◦Re-distributing work in emergencies◦Scope suddenly changing

Management is more fun than doing the actual work