How CVS Works Like Open Source Projects
1. Anyone works anywhere at any time.
2. The master copy can be read-only for many developers. Diffs can be submitted to a central authority/developer for review. The changes can then be applied to the master copy or denied.
3. Traditional Software Releases involve releasing binary executable as a "Grand Event." Open Source development also involves the release of stable versions, but he source code is always in a state of flux. This helps avoid situations where developers spend days tracking down a bug and submitting their change only to find that someone else has already fixed it.