It's hip to be open--and increasingly recognized as business smart. Relevant examples? See Google's open-source Android mobile operating system--now the world leader due largely to the lack of cost for phone manufacturers to use and customize it to their liking. Android has also enabled phone manufacturers to reduce the cost of the devices and thus bring smartphone technology to those consumers previously ignored, the billions of people priced out of using advanced tech.

Creative Commons, publisher of the outstanding new (and free!) book, The Power of Open, is another success story. Leveraging innovative new approaches to the stringent copyright world, Creative Commons has revolutionized intellectual property ownership and usage for the digital age. The Power of Open (currently available in English, Japanese and Portuguese) shares best practices through real-life examples in the implementation of open-source ethos and provides some invaluable Creative Commons 101. This is a great place for meeting professionals to get started in Creative Commons education and a resourceful read for those already working with the new standard in copyright.

You may recall back in July 2009, when Joi Ito was CEO of Creative Commons (he's now chair of CC and director of the MIT Media Lab), we published what would become an award-winning profile about him and his group's works: "Ambassador of the New Breed".

Combine the One+ Ito profile and The Power of Open and you've got a strong pair of works from which to embrace Creative Commons and real openness.

If so, you're surely not alone.

As much as I rant and rave about the inherent benefits of the open-source approach to technology (and many other facets of business and life), I often fail to remember that not everyone understands "open source" beyond just business buzz word.

Thankfully, the Economist's review of The Comingled Code: Open Source and Economic Development, does well explaining the origins of and concept behind the open-source movement.

"In information technology there seems to be a revolution every other week. At least that is the impression one gets when following media coverage of the sector. Yet sometimes the hype is justified, in particular in the case of open- source software, free programs developed by loosely knit groups of developers. Within just 15 years they have completely changed the landscape of the software industry, turning it from a mostly capitalist economy into a mixed one.

"The shift should be of interest—and not just to techies. Software is important stuff; it keeps the world moving....

"At least theoretically, open source could also resolve the main dilemma that bedevils innovation policy. On the one hand, most inventors need incentives to keep inventing. On the other, the social value of an invention is maximised if anyone—not just those willing to pay for it—can use it. Open source seems to satisfy both conditions. Developers contribute voluntarily, and share code freely."

Now the tough part: How can you incorporate and promote open-source ethos in your business and life?