Technology-facilitated 'Give according to your abilities, receive according to your needs'

Internet facilitates the production, distribution, and consumption of products and services according to the principle of GARN, which means that 'Give according to your ability, receive according to your needs.' The GARN phenomenon is manifested in at least four contexts, which are software, hardware, computer networks, and online content. The software is volunteer-based open source software (OSS) initiatives where code is created by volunteers and made available to the public. The availability of high speed networks allows the sharing of computer resources by grid computing, enabling better allocation and use of computing resources with in and among organizations. The GARN phenomenon has implications for both business and policy making, in terms of policy making it offers a more efficient use of resources and allow better access to products and services for people.