Pros of Open Source Software - Essay Example

Open source software Introduction Computer Software’s creation depends on formulation mechanisms. The needed for the developmentof software is known as the ‘Source Code’. Open Source Software is software, which is distributed along with its source code. Distribution of software along with its source code is carried out under the permission granted through a special software license act. The practice of Open Source Software enables the development of the software by its users in meeting their needs and requirements. Here the user needs to indicate the changes made and the process of carrying out the task of code changing for future user information. The changed software can be distributed either free or through purchase. The Open Source Software earns chief contrast to the commercial software. It is because the Commercial Software is never distributed in a free manner and one cannot alter its code. The Source Code of Commercial Software is regarded as an Intellectual Asset and its creator preserves the right. (Pickett). Open versus Commercial Software In the recent software industry, Open Source and Commercial Software are considered to be two poles of Software Licensing. The Open Source Software helps in providing suggested solutions to the needs and aspirations of the modern software industry aiming at continuous development of the present software. Though the Open Source Software enables Royalty Free distribution of Source Codes with the software, yet it is done with some specific objectives in view. It requires the user to develop and modify the software and redistribute the same to other users. However, the range of support and training services for using the software and needed updates are provided by other entities chiefly on a commercial basis. Open Source Software being prepared in most of the cases through collaborative arrangements of different users loses its intellectual ownership. Rather it becomes a piece of shared Intellectual Property of the different contributors to its modification and development. (Hiong; Pickett). The Commercial Software on the other hand is designed solely for distribution in exchange of fees. However, the Commercial Software development entities need to also provide the required service, training and updates to the users of such software and not to depend on other entities. In the case of Commercial Software the Source Code may be furnished on request on special licensing and agreement terms. The Open Source and Commercial Software models need not be used in isolation. Rather business firms are observed to use the two models in a collaborative sphere to achieve business success. The software firms can make the lower level systems developed on Open Source Software while the higher-level systems involving the development of Graphic User Interfaces can be kept ownership protected. The domain of Open Source Software was limited in the past to academic and research-oriented activities. Due to the increasing need for software product development in the modern era, the Open Source Software licensing activities have extended its sphere to the corporate market. (Hiong, 1-15) From the Business point of view the development and research cost in regards to Commercial software is acquired from the purchasers acquiring the modified software models. However, the development cost of the Open Source Software is acquired from the market by the business firms, which provide the training, service, and updates for it by charging fees for such. From the Accountability point of view the creators of the commercial software are fully responsible for any shortfalls in meeting the said demands. However, in case of Open Source Software the question of accountability falters for it lacks ownership of creation. Open Source Vendors need to approach the customers for providing them service assurance in respect of a fee. The Development activities regarding the Commercial and Open Source Software also triggers differences. Commercial software is developed by one organization whereas collaborators playing around the globe develop Open Source Software. In recent times the Commercial Software companies have devised measures to compete with the global image of Open Source Software by engaging development teams in different corners of the world. However, in some cases the development of Open Source Software also rests on certain specific contributors and focuses on meeting the needs of specific communities. Another area of subtle differences between the Commercial and the Open Source Software lies on the pattern of their Licensing activities. It is observed that the users mode of usage and adaptability of the Commercial Software greatly depends on the licensing marks, which turn effective from the date of purchase. On the contrary, the licensing patterns of Open Source Software are much more flexible for it allows the user to modify and redistribute the software according to business needs. As regards to the Cost factor, the Open Source Software is considered much cheaper in regards to Commercial Software. However, as mentioned the Open Source Software needs service and training needs which are given by an external entity in exchange for cost which in regards to Commercial Software is rendered as a package. This increases the life time cost of Open Source Software. In regards to Security standpoints it is often argued that Open Source Software are more security prone than Commercial Software. The availability of source codes in Open Source Software leads to a system of transparency wherein flaws can be easily identified when taking decisions for using it. However, some others point that security factors depend not on the publishing of codes but on the pattern of development of the software and the relational transparency between the customer and service provider. Open Source Software is considered more user friendly than Commercial Software owing to its degree of Flexibility. The users can make necessary changes in the technical system of Open Source Software to make it more receptive. This enhances the level of user satisfaction. In regards to the availability of service and updates Open Source Software system lends quicker access to such than Commercial Software system for having a wide range of contributors to such. However, some users get concerned about the authenticity of such updates and services obtained from multiple contributors as against the Commercial Software having only the original contributor. Another, problem, which arises in case of multiple contributors updating the software, is the chance of drifting from its original path or ‘Forking’. (Gonalez-Barahona) The drifting makes the further versions user redundant. (Hiong, 1-15; “Benefits of Using Open Source Software”). In regards to the above discussion the Open Source Software confers some distinct advantages over the Commercial Software. Firstly, the Open Source Software enables customization of the enabled software. The user can tailor make the application to meet the specific business needs. Further, the technical team of a company can add modules enabled by the Open Source Software aiming at improved Return on Investments. Through the Open Source Software the company’s target at creating better user interface modules, which can help, provide customer accessibility to timely information. The Open Source Software earns huge market demand for being implemented on a large scale in contrast to Commercial Software owing to its Low Cost of Ownership. Further, the creation of Open Source Software helps in increasing the returns on the investments made by lowering tax and licensing burdens. Research and Development activities gain further impetus because of the applicability of Open Source Software. (Coleman, 28-31). Some of the other advantages behind using Open Source Software are it requires lesser investments to be made on hardware installation. The source code being made available makes the Open Source Software a high end software. The licensing activity in regards to Open Source Software is quite simple to go for. Apart from low investments in software to be made for low licensing and maintenance costs, it gives scope for better support systems. (“Advantages of Open Source Software”) Conclusion The development of Open Source Software has opened up the door for development of Information Technology on a wide scale. In chief contrast to Commercial Software the Open Source Software has given the scope to Information Technology experts in respective companies to tailor make the software to meet business demands. Hence, they now do not have to wait for future versions to be developed to meet the needs. This helps the company in achieving customer satisfaction and hence increases the return on the investments made. Works Cited 1. Pickett, Patricia. “What is Open Source Software?”. n.d. Web. 26 October, 2010 2. Hiong, GOH Seow. “Open Source and Commercial Software”. Business Software Alliance. 2005. Web. 26 October, 2010 3. Gonalez-Barahona, M. Jesus. Advantages of Open Source Software. 2000. Web. 26 October, 2010 4. Coleman, M. Sean. “When Open Source Works”. 2009. Web. 26 October, 2010 5. “Advantages of Open Source Software”, Outsource2india.com. 2010. Web. 26 October, 2010 Read More