http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worker_cooperativeI'm curious whether there are, anywhere in the world, worker's cooperatives that center on a technology business that involves either programming, IT, or some sort of IT or programming related consulting or services. The wikipedia link above is an overview of the concept. The short form explanation is that a co-op is a worker-owned business. Also there is the notion that every worker owns shares in the business. I am interested in knowing whether an example of a programmer's/IT co-op even exists. Note: I am not talking about nor asking about a government-funded incubator nor any other socialized, state supported group. I also don't mean co-working, which is renting an office with other self employed people doing their own thing. I mean a going, profitable IT business operating in a competitive environment that is worker-owned and run.
Are there any actual examples of profitable programmer's worker's cooperatives?
business
IT worker co-operatives (and more generally in the creative/knowledge industries) are a growing source of worker co-operatives in the UK. Some examples:http://www.ecobee.orghttp://www.web.coophttp://www.software.coop (oh and hi MJ)http://www.3mules.coophttp://www.atomised.coophttp://www.nomad.coophttp://www.netuxo.comhttp://www.mc3.coophttp://www.analog.coopMore pure design including web:http://www.wave.coophttp://www.alpha.coophttp://www.uhc.org.ukhttp://www.design.coopBecause of this growth we (at Co-operatives UK) have created a guide to help them along, if you're interested.http://www.creatives.uk.coop/