What are the advantages of using open source software?
Open source is a development method for software that harnesses the power of distributed peer review and transparency of process, it offers a radically different and exponentially better software development model.
You can improve your products greatly and significantly increase your market share. Overall, open source is good for everyone.
Motivations for using and developing open source software are mixed, ranging from philosophical and ethical reasons to pure practical issues.
Here are some of the practical advantages of employing open source software:
- The source code is available – You have the right to modify the code, enabling unlimited tuning and improvement of the software. It also makes it possible to port the code to new hardware, to adapt it to changing conditions, and to reach a detailed understanding of how the system works.
- Better security - Source code availability also makes it much easier to isolate bugs, and (for a programmer) to fix them.
- Fewer conflicting priorities due to marketing pressures – Major companies and vendors are not pushing for precise delivery dates or features that must be supported. Delivered 'when it is ready' and when the development team feels that its quality is good enough.
- Reduced dependence on vendors – Open source software does not rely on vendors for maintenance and support so you are not forced to accept version upgrades that you may not need or want.
- Open source software can be used in any way - This ensures a large population of users, which helps to build up a market for support and customisation of the software, which can only attract more and more developers to work in the project. This in turn helps to improve the quality of the product, and to improve its functionality.
- It provides a new forum for democratic action. As individuals and companies decide where to make improvements in the system, the collective desires of the community determine the overall direction of progress, and yet without compelling anyone.
The key advantage of open source software is that it avoids vendor lock in and gives you the freedom to choose what to do and when to do it.
To find out more on open source call today on 0800 458 4545, or request more information online.
