Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
The Open Source Hardware and Open Design Business Model
Matrix
The Open Source Hardware and Open Design Business Model Matrix was developed by
the Open It Agency, an open source business development and communication agency
based in Berlin, Germany. The matrix is a collection of open source benefits and advant-
ages and possible income sources. The tool helps users map out complex and fitting busi-
ness models and strategies for an individual case. It is appropriate for all sorts of physic-
al products, not just for electronic hardware. Some items in the matrix reflect theoretical,
yet promising notions for the future; others have been tried and tested by successful open
source hardware businesses. The field of open source hardware is very young and has a
long way to go, so the matrix is intended to remain flexible. There are more things to find
that will be developed by you and others in the future, but the matrix should suffice to get
you started.
Should Your Product Be Open?
The matrix (
Figure 15.1
)
is part of a toolkit that is made to answer the question, “Should
your business be open?” The top two rows of the matrix should help you decide if your
business should be open. Open sourcing products is not for every business, but it does offer
many advantages to developers.
