I was thinking about the goals of the Niagara Networkers group, when a thought struck me about its operation and formation that brought a smile to my face.

The members of this group understand how open source software works because I’ve put the same principles to work in the networking group.

• The group identified an itch.
• They decided the itch was enough of a concern to actually do something about it.
• The group is pooling resources and talent to scratch the itch.
• The idea is free in the sense that there are no barriers to other people in other areas doing the same thing.
• Participation in the group is based on merit. If you don’t help others, you’re not really in the group.
• All members of the group benefit more than the effort that is put into it’s operation. The whole is really greater than the sum of its parts.

That’s the great thing about this group, and it’s also the reason I use open-source software in my work. The benefits of sharing effort greatly outweigh the costs of coordinating multiple people to work on a project and share with each other.