HP releases webOS as open source
Summary
Wired puts into context HP's decision to pass on webOS as an open platform after the end of its own devices and to involve the community in its development. Open source can extend a product's life but does not replace developers, devices and clear leadership. A late release only preserves technology if the source code is complete and can actually be built.
Ideas
- webOS combined a Linux base with applications built from widely used web technologies.
- Opening up was meant to preserve software and frameworks despite discontinued HP hardware.
- An announced community governance first had to prove that it really replaced vendor control.
Recommendations
- For abandoned platforms, check the scope of the source, buildability, licence and hardware access separately.
- Archive toolchains and documentation together with the actual source code.
References
Links to the original source and the Web Archive open in a new tab.