Unique Value Proposition

A unique value proposition is a specific value being provided by an enterprise that is not yet met by any other market player. This is what distinguishes an enterprise from others.

The assumption is that something valuable is being offered, and therefore, there is a market for that value.

Being specific about what that value is allows an enterprise to succeed in the marketplace.

Simply put - what are you offering that nobody else is offering? What is that differentiation? If someone else is offering something already, and there is no differentiation (such as location, for example), then one should question the value of engaging in a certain enterprise. This is taken from a societal perspective: why compete with someone who is doing something well already, and not do something more valuable?

A unique value proposition is important in open source enterprise. If source code is open, then one can replicate enterprise easily - at which point it is easier to do something better - and everyone benefits.

In standard enterprise, competition may exist just to beat someone out of greed. In open source enterprise, we are asking market players to meet needs more effectively, not compete just for the sake of competition or size. Instead of growing in size, we ask open source proponents to grow by diffusing their enterprise to others - which is part of the Distributive Enterprise ethic. Distributive Enterprise carries with it an explicit ethic of helping others move forward.