The business model based on crowdsourcing, TopCoder, in which software is developed through the online tournaments is presented. The case highlights how TopCoder has created a unique platform for innovation duplex composed of a global community of more than 225,000 participating developers to write software modules for its 40 clients. Provides details on a unique innovation software platform that develops through complex ongoing online contests. In describing the evolution of society, the challenges of building a community and refine a contest platform on the Web are illustrated. Experiences and perspectives of members and clients of the TopCoder community help to demonstrate what it means to work within or in collaboration with an online community. In case, discusses the use of distributed innovation and its potential benefits as a mechanism for solving business problems. Scalability issues, profitability and growth of TopCoder are also explored.
by
Karim R. Lakhani,
David A. Garvin,
Eric Lonstein
Source: Harvard Business School
20 pages.
Date Posted: January 15, 2010. Prod #: 610032-PDF-ENG
TopCoder (A): software development solutions through case Crowdsourcing
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