Open source FAQs
What is open source?
The term "open source" refers to software that can be freely redistributed, analyzed and modified by anyone. Key characteristics of open source software include:
- Free: The software doesn't cost anything to obtain –although there are costs involved in configuring and maintaining it, just like with other software.
- Open: Because the software code is open and readable by anyone, it also means that the software can be modified by anyone with programming skills ... allowing for the translation of software into local languages or the addition of features needed by a particular group.
- Collaborative: Open source software draws its strength from the fact that people who improve, modify or customize programs must give it back to the open source community so others can benefit from their work.
Why use open source?
The open-source model not only saves license fee they also promise increased security; because code is in the public view it will be exposed to extreme scrutiny, with problems being found and fixed instead of being kept secret. Few other benefits include:
- Lower IT costs: Open source eliminates the need to pay for software licenses. Of course, this does not mean that you can eliminate information technology costs altogether –there is still a need for staff and equipment to make it all work. It lowers the start up cost of projects and reduces time to market and minimize recursive cost of ownership.
- Flexible software solutions: The fact that the code is "open" means that software can be modified to respond to needs not addressed by the original developer.
- Better security: Mature open source applications –Linux, Apache, Send Mail, OpenOffice.org –tend to be more secure than their proprietary counterparts.
Which Open Source product will fulfill my requirements?
There are more then 200,000 open source products available. We can help you select the right kind of product by -
- Analyzing your requirements like training, documents and support services
- Finding open source solutions which matches your requirements
- Evaluating available Open source products to ensure they meet your requirements; and also how they can be integrated into you existing infrastructure.
Contact us to review your open source requirements or discuss your concerns.
What is Total cost of ownership of Open Source solutions?
In simple terms own open source software cost nothing (except few commercial version of Linux versions).
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