In a recent report, VisionMobile points out that Open Source is not only about licensing but also about the governance model adopted by open-source projects.

The governance model used by an open source project encapsulates all the hard questions about a project. Who decides on the project roadmap? How transparent are the decision-making processes? Can anyone follow the discussions and meetings taking place in the community? […] Governance determines who has influence and control over the project or platform – beyond what is legally required in the open source license.

The governance model adopted by Madagascar is exceptionally flat and open. So far, 50 people have been given write access to the Subversion repository. Nobody who asked for an access has been denied it so far. Everyone of the 50 developers has equal rights to add, remove, or modify code. We coordinate our efforts through the developer mailing list and annual meetings. This open governance model is a distinctive feature of the Madagascar project, which should be emphasized when comparing it with other projects. VisionMobile states in its report: “Our research suggests that platforms that are most open will be most successful in the long-term.”