Business Model Innovation Map For Open Assets
This section of the toolkit leverages the Business Model Innovation Map (downloadable for reference) to help you identify and explore successful business models that utilize open source elements (software – OSS, data – OD, or hardware – OH).
The toolkit uses a multi-step approach:
1. It starts by helping you clarify your main open asset business objective.
2. Then it supports you to identify the source and form of value you want to create.
3. Finally it offers filtering options to narrow down the possibilities based on the type of open source element (OSS/OD/OH) you’re considering.
| Business model | Open asset type | Example | Value from | Value details | Value Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open core, Update subscriptions | Open Source Software | IBM; Cloudera; Eucalyptus | Combined components, Aggregated components | Income from enhanced capabilities (e.g. extensions) or quick updates and bug fixes | |
| Proprietary with FOSS extensions, Delayed FOSS | Open Source Software | Early versions of Blender, Maya, MediaMonkey, Photoshop, Id Software, 3D Realms. | Core assets | Income from technical support and enhanced versions | |
| Dual-licensing/Selling exceptions | Open Source Software | MySQL; Qt; Asterisk; MongoDB; Java | Core assets, Combined components, Aggregated components | Income from additional rights (e.g. right to modify or distribute without FOSS license terms | |
| Packaged suite | Open Source Software | ToolsCloud; Ubuntu; many FOSS operating system distributions; Bitnami | Core assets, Combined components, Aggregated components | Income from convenience of integration (e.g. better interoperability, user experience) | |
| Freemium, Dual-licensing, Charging for changes, Open source, Free as branded advertising | Open Data | Datasets, databases | Income from complete datasets or higher quality dataset | ||
| Infrastructural razor and blades | Open Data | Complementary or aggregated data | Income from complementary or dependent data | ||
| OH Maker-oriented | Open Hardware | Components, collection of kits | Income from fast prototyping or do-it-yourself kits | ||
| OH Solution- or product-oriented | Open Hardware | Final prodcuts, solutions | Income from tailoring solutions or providing compatible product |
Development driven
Internal development
Indirect Strategic aims
Business driven
Asset based
Open core
Open core (11), Update subscriptions (8)
A provider (often also the creator) releases FOSS software and
along with it, they sell proprietary extensions that provide
enhanced capabilities. Examples include operating system or
database extensions, or distinct software linked with FOSS
libraries.
- EXTERNAL FOSS User aspect
- OWN SOFTWARE Contributor aspect: Income from enhanced
capabilities (e.g. extensions) or quick updates and bug fixes
- VALUE FROM SERVICES: Income from technical support
Examples
IBM; Cloudera; Eucalyptus
Open environment
Proprietary with FOSS extensions (20), Delayed FOSS (21)
Open environment models integrate elements of both proprietary
and FOSS software, creating a hybrid approach to software
development and distribution. These models encourage community
contributions to extend and enhance the core software, whether
through APIs, SDKs, or delayed transitions to FOSS. This
approach allows developers to protect their investments while
fostering an ecosystem of innovation and collaboration.
- EXTERNAL FOSS User aspect
- OWN SOFTWARE Contributor aspect: Income from technical
support, Income from enhanced versions
Examples
Early versions of Blender, Maya, MediaMonkey, Photoshop, Id
Software, 3D Realms.
OD Freemium
Freemium, Dual-licensing, Charging for changes, Open source,
Free as branded advertising
Freemium models involve offering a basic version of a product
for free, with the option for users to pay for additional
features, enhancements, or extended use. This approach allows
users to access the core functionality at no cost, while
monetizing advanced capabilities or prolonged access. Various
sub-models within freemium leverage open source principles, dual
licensing, or specific charges for modifications and branding.
- EXTERNAL OD/OH User aspect
- OWN DATA Contributor aspect: Income from complete datasets or
higher quality dataset
OD Parts of tools
Infrastructural razor and blades
A razor-blade business model entails selling a product for a low
price in order to generate revenues from the complementary product.
- EXTERNAL OD/OH User aspect
- OWN DATA Contributor aspect: Income from complementary or
dependent data
Dual strategies
Dual-licensing/Selling exceptions (5)
The software is available under a typical FOSS license. Users
(normally organizational) who want to modify the software and
distribute it without adhering to FOSS licensing terms pay to
obtain such authorization.
- EXTERNAL FOSS User aspect
- OWN SOFTWARE Contributor aspect: Income from additional
rights (e.g. right to modify or distribute without FOSS license
terms)
Examples
MySQL; Qt; Asterisk; MongoDB; Java
Packaged offerings
Packaged suite (15)
A company chooses a set of FOSS, integrates or aggregates this
set of software, and then sells, supports or distributes the
complete package, either as FOSS or maybe non-FOSS, or as
software as a service. The editorial work adds value by
preselecting from a large pool of similar FOSS those that work
well together, or that offer a good user experience. Users pay
for the convenience of the integration.
- EXTERNAL FOSS User aspect
- OWN SOFTWARE Contributor aspect: Income from convenience of
integration (e.g. better interoperability, user experience)
- VALUE FROM SERVICES: Income from support
Examples
ToolsCloud; Ubuntu; many FOSS operating system distributions;
Bitnami
OH Maker-oriented
- EXTERNAL OD/OH User aspect
- OWN HARDWARE Contributor aspect: Income from fast
prototyping or do-it-yourself kits
OH Solution- or product-oriented
- EXTERNAL OD/OH User aspect
- OWN HARDWARE Contributor aspect: Income from tailoring
solutions or providing compatible product
Service based
Extended business
