Originally, IBM distributed what software it provided in source form[2][3][4] and systems programmers commonly made small local additions or modifications and exchanged them with other users.

The SHARE library and the process of distributed development it fostered was one of the major origins of open source software.

SOS was one of the first instances of "commons-based peer production" now widely used in the development of free and open-source software such as Linux and the GNU project.

SHARE later incorporated as a non-profit corporation based in Chicago, Illinois and as of 2013[update] is located at 330 N. Wabash Ave.

In September 1999, GUIDE International, the other major IBM mainframe users group, ceased operation.