InnerSource is the use of open source software development best practices and the establishment of an open source-like culture within organizations[1] for the development of its non-open-source and/or proprietary software. The term was coined by Tim O'Reilly in 2000[2] in his column.[3]
InnerSource (IS) is the use of open source software development practices and the establishment of an open source-like culture within organizations. The organization may still develop proprietary software but internally opens up its development.
Tim O'Reilly, the founder of O'Reilly Media, coined the term "inner-sourcing" in 2000, describing it as: "the use of open source development techniques within the corporation."
[W]e've also worked with companies on what we call "inner sourcing" — that is, helping them to use open source development techniques within the corporation.