On Company Contributions to Community Open Source Software Projects

The majority of contributions to community open source software (OSS) projects are made by practitioners acting on behalf companies and other organisations. Previous research has addressed the motivations both individuals engage with OSS projects. However, limited been undertaken that examines explains practical mechanisms or work practices used their developers pursue commercial technical objectives when engaging This investigates variety in public communication channels company contributors contribute eight Through interviews we draw experiences insights explore use particular methods contribution. We find utilise for contributing which congruent circumstances capabilities support short- long-term needs. also ways may not always be apparent from sources, such as employing core project developers, making donations, joining steering committees order advance strategic interests. factors influencing contributor can complex often dynamic arising considerations structure, well concerns strategies. business context created is deployed found influence practices.