SHARE: The Pioneer of Collaborative Software Development
Long before the modern era of GitHub and community-driven coding, a community of IBM users laid the groundwork for how software is developed and shared today. SHARE emerged as a critical resource for systems programmers, fostering a culture of mutual aid and technical exchange that would eventually influence the global open-source movement.
The Origins of Open Source Collaboration
In its early days, IBM distributed its software in source form. This allowed systems programmers to make local modifications or additions to meet their specific needs. Rather than keeping these improvements secret, users began exchanging their modified code with one another. This process of distributed development, centered around the SHARE library, is recognized as one of the primary origins of open-source software.
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Technical Milestones and Peer Production
One of the most significant achievements of the organization was the 1959 release of the SHARE Operating System (SOS). Initially designed for the IBM 709 computer and later ported to the IBM 7090, SOS served as an early example of commons-based peer production—a model where a community collaborates to create a shared resource without traditional top-down management. This methodology is the direct ancestor of the processes used today by the GNU project and Linux.
Beyond operating systems, SHARE played a role in language development. In 1963, the organization joined IBM as part of the "3x3" committee to help develop the PL/I programming language.
Global Expansion and Organizational Evolution
As the user base grew, SHARE expanded its reach internationally. In 1969, European members formed a regional chapter, which had been formalized in 1966 as the Share European Association (SEAS), and later known as SHARE Europe (SEAS). This regional presence evolved over decades, culminating in a 1994 joint meeting with G.U.I.D.E. where it was decided to dissolve both SHARE Europe and G.U.I.D.E. to create a new entity: GSE (Guide Share Europe).
In the United States, SHARE incorporated as a non-profit corporation based in Chicago, Illinois. By 2013, the organization was headquartered at 330 N. Wabash Ave, continuing its mission through a regular newsletter and two major annual educational meetings.
Consolidation of the IBM User Community
The landscape of IBM user groups shifted significantly in September 1999 when GUIDE International, another prominent mainframe users group, ceased operations. While SHARE did not formally acquire GUIDE in the U.S., it became the natural successor for many of GUIDE's projects and activities. GUIDE encouraged its members to join SHARE, and by August 2000, SHARE officially took over the guide.org domain name.
By 2005, the organization's scale was evident, boasting a membership of 20,000 individuals representing approximately 2,300 enterprise IBM customers.
Key Facts
- Foundational Impact: One of the earliest precursors to the modern open-source software movement.
- SOS: The SHARE Operating System (1959) pioneered commons-based peer production.
- Language Contribution: Participated in the "3x3" committee for the development of PL/I in 1963.
- European Legacy: Led to the formation of GSE (Guide Share Europe) in 1994.
- Scale: Reached 20,000 members across 2,300 enterprise customers by 2005.
| Year | Event/Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Release of SOS | Early peer-produced operating system for IBM 709/7090. |
| 1963 | PL/I Development | Collaboration with IBM via the "3x3" committee. |
| 1966/69 | SEAS Formation | Establishment of the European chapter of SHARE. |
| 1994 | Creation of GSE | Merger of SHARE Europe and G.U.I.D.E. |
| 1999/2000 | GUIDE Transition | Absorption of GUIDE International projects and domain. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between SHARE and open source software?
SHARE is considered one of the major origins of open source because its members exchanged modified source code and collaborated on the SHARE library, establishing a model of distributed development long before the term "open source" existed.
What was the SHARE Operating System (SOS)?
Released in 1959 for the IBM 709 (and later the 7090), SOS was an early instance of commons-based peer production, where users collaborated to build and improve the system.
How did SHARE contribute to programming languages?
In 1963, SHARE participated in the "3x3" committee alongside IBM to help develop the PL/I programming language.
What happened to GUIDE International?
GUIDE International ceased operations in September 1999. Many of its projects and members transitioned to SHARE, and SHARE took over the guide.org domain in August 2000.
What is GSE?
GSE (Guide Share Europe) was established in 1994 following the decision to dissolve both SHARE Europe and G.U.I.D.E. to create a unified European IBM users group.