23 December 2012

Thesis chapter 2.3: Software ecosystem

Software ecosystems are characterised by a network of developers rather than a single organisation providing the final product to the customer. An example would be the app markets for Android and iPhone users, where 3rd party developers deliver applications directly to the end user based on a provided platform and through an established infrastructure and marketplace.

The strategic approach of developing software in an open ecosystem instead of as an integrator towards the customer is new in the domain of mass-produced embedded systems, but could provide some advantages also here, for example by extending the innovation base and sharing development risks.
The OEM would still play a vital role as keystone organisation in an open software ecosystem since it manufactures the product and delivers the platform underlying the ecosystem.

No comments: