7. 2  Characteristics of the free software model

The foundations of free software formalise a structure in which cooperation and the sharing of knowledge among members allow for the innovation, production and evolution of global knowledge.

The creation of value is undoubtedly an important goal for all members of the community (be they users, developers, etc.) and for the model itself. Hence, the decentralisation, freedom and independence that are the mark of the community offer guarantees for the consolidation and cohesion of production and social capital.

The free software model is based on differentiation in relation to the values that govern the traditional market, both from the point of view of software development and of appreciation of the value created.

While it is true that, from a traditional point of view, some of the features of the free software model are also applicable to other paradigms of development and value creation, the free software model introduces new features to the perception and appreciation of the values associated with the traditional market.

In this section of the module, we will determine the features of the free software model by comparing them with those of a traditional model, with the aim of assessing the real differentiation introduced by the model in daily practice.

First of all, we will discuss the model from the point of view of software development, before moving on to analyse the implications of differentiation as a paradigm based on social production.