Open Source Tools
Few things in life comes for free. And for a software professional nothing like a free code chunk :)
And here I happened to read and get hands on with Open Source Tools and they have fascinated me to the extent that I am dedicating an entire blog space for them...
So what really does "Open Source Tool" mean?
Well to start with the definition, it says "Open source is an approach to the design, development, and distribution of software, offering practical accessibility to a software's source code. " Open source software (OSS) projects are built and maintained by a network of volunteer programmers. The essence of open source software is that the source code is freely available and it is based on open standards. Because no one exclusively owns the source code, other parties can use, change and expand the software for free.
Prime examples of open source products are the Apache HTTP Server, and the internet browser Mozilla Firefox. One of the most successful open source products is the GNU/Linux operating system.
Open Source Software v/s Free Software:
Open source and free both describe software which is free from onerous licensing restrictions. It may be used, copied, studied, modified and redistributed without restriction. There is a thin line of distinction between both, although the definition of open source software was written to be almost identical to the free software definition. The difference in the terms is where they place the emphasis. “Free software” is defined in terms of giving the user freedom where as “Open source” highlights that the source code is viewable to all and proponents of the term usually emphasize the quality of the software. There are very few cases of software that is free software but is not open source software, and vice versa.
Closed source software is a notation coined to denote non- open source softwares /tools. Below is a small paragraph dedicated to spot differences between the mentality of open source forum & closed source forum promoters:
Fact: Open Source software is open, all of the defects and security flaws are easily found.
Close source promoters argument: This makes it easier for a malicious person to discover security flaws.
Open source promoters argument: This makes it easier for a patch to be found and implement the solution.
Why does Open Source Software exist?
- Companies use such software as a stepping stone to sell a higher-end product or service by penetrating the market; e.g., OpenOffice.org vs. StarOffice.
- Companies that offer open source software are able to establish an industry standard and, thus, gain competitive advantage.
- It has also helped build developer loyalty as developers feel empowered and have a sense of ownership of the end product.
- Less costs of marketing and logistical services are needed.
- It also helps companies to keep abreast of all technology developments.
- It is a good tool to promote a companies’ image, including its commercial products.
What are end users benefit of using Open Source Software?
- It comes for absolutely free. :)
- The availability of the source code and the right to modify it.
- The right to redistribute modifications and improvements to the code.
- The right to use the software in any way.
- There is no single entity on which the future of the software depends..
What stops an organization from using such tools?
- Perception that the licenses are viral.
- Lack of formal support and training.
- Velocity of change.
- Lack of a long term roadmap.
Statistics has shown that the economic crisis has forced many companies to reduce their spending and so more and more companies are turning to open source software to reduce costs. However, if companies aren’t careful this cost saving measure can actually lead to more expenses. Companies must consider the management and maintenance aspects of using open source. Well the decision has to be taken wisely that whether open source benefits ones organization or not.
Hope this article is informative. Your valuable comments & suggestions are always welcome :)
