Open source is a term for software where the source code has been made freely available for modification and enhancement by any developer. Community development is key to the success of open source; the more people that have access to the source code, the faster and easier it is to find and fix errors and add improvements. This collaboration component enables the software to evolve through the collective efforts of many developers, as opposed to just one.
The Business Benefits of Open Source Technology
Enterprise open source is being increasingly used not only because it’s more cost effective, but because it is often genuinely better software that encourages innovation, provides better security, and delivers higher quality outcomes.
Cost Savings
Open Source provides dramatic savings through lowered software & hardware costs.
No Vendor Lock-In
Lack of portability, expensive license fees and inability to customize are disadvantages of proprietary software.
Scalable Growth
With varied options for clustering, load balancing and open source applications you can easily scale up for growth or consolidate and achieve more with less if needed.
Flexibility
Users of OSS benefit from the freedom to modify the software in a way that best suits their unique business needs. It is not confined by the rigid user agreement associated with proprietary software.
Reliability
Thousands of expert developers work on creating and constantly improving the open-source software. Another pair of eyes is always a plus, but in this case, it's hundreds or thousands of eyes.
Security
With so many contributors, security issues are addressed more quickly thus making it usually more secure than closed sourced software.
Common Misconceptions About Open Source
Driving early adoption of open source technology can be simple by addressing these common myths.
Myth:
Open Source is Not Secure
Openness is definitely an asset. If developers have access to code, they can address security issues faster thus making it usually more secure than closed sourced software. Large open source projects are less likely than commercial closed source software to include bugs and security vulnerabilities since communities are likely to fix bugs and vulnerabilities and release the fixes faster than single authored commercial software.
Myth:
Open Source is Not Enterprise-Grade
Some of the largest, most prestigious companies in the world—including Microsoft, Google, IBM, New York Stock Exchange, and Harvard University—utilize open source. A majority of organizations, 68%, have increased their use of enterprise open source and another 59% plan to continue that growth, a survey conducted by Red Hat shows. Download Red Hat’s 2021 State of Enterprise Open Source below to learn more.
Myth:
Open Source is Not Compatible with Proprietary Programs
Open source implements the same industry standards that mandate compatibility as proprietary software, and in many cases open source integrates better with other systems than proprietary software.
See How Open Source Can Benefit Your Business
At HighVail, we have repeatedly found significant value in utilizing open source software whenever possible as an alternative. Our experts can help you explore what is available and what could be best suited to fit your needs with flexibility and reliability at top of mind.
Book a no-cost Discovery Session with one of our experts to see how your business, small or large, can leverage the benefits of open source technology.
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