Open Source

Open source means that you get the source code of the software that you use. This shifts the controls from the software vendor to the client while preserving the vendor right. Shifting the control means shifting the power to the client side. And with this the client has the right to see the code, change it and use it and hence protecting him from the vendor in many ways

Open Source is Growing

The open source software model has established its role in today's IT industry. It has evolved from small personal projects into large products that are supported and maintained by companies and groups of community. Moreover, some of the open source projects rank among the industry leading products that are used for mission-critical applications as Granter reported in its survey "Growing Use of Open-Source Software for Mission-Critical Applications" [2].

Open Source is Growing

Although you might not be aware of it, your enterprise will be using open source software by the end of 2012 even if you are not aware of it. By the end of 2012 around 80% of the commercial applications will include open source components [1]. This large increase in open source adaptation is due to the value and robustness offered by the open source software which makes it compelling opportunities for the commercial software developers in order to reduce the cost without compromising the quality and functionality of the software.

Nowadays many IT managers are accepting the existing of open source and its importance to leverage the IT services. A survey conducted by Gartner [4] showed that there is an increase in the number of IT managers who plan to upgrade their IT solutions by using open source application. This indicates the overall accepted of the open source software in the IT mainstream.

Even the governments worldwide are recognizing the maturity of the open source software and started the process of creating policies and regulations around the adaptation, with the most recent announcement of the UK government that beefed its open source policy that indicates a positive action toward the adaptation process [3].

Still in doubt of the open source? We can help you by providing a free consultancy service. Just schedule a time and we will be there.

Resources:

1- Gartner: 80% of commercial apps to use open source by 2012

2- Survey Finds Growing Use of Open-Source Software for Mission-Critical Applications

3- The U.K. Government Beefs Up Its Open-Source Policy

3- Open-Source Software, Asia/Pacific, 2008-2009