Open Source Saves Business’s Money

What do…

Linux, Open Office, Apache, Pidgin, php, sugarCRM, Google chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Thunderbird and VLC media player have in common…. they are open source software (OSS).

What is open…um sauce?

Open source is basically the right users have regarding software to use, study, and change and improve its design through the availability of its source code. Open source software (OSS) often meets the requirements of the open source definition. Used by the Open Source Initiative the definition is used to determine whether or not a software license can be considered open source. Most notably the software being programmed and developed following this principle is free.

What is the benefit to my business?

1. Cost

Namely the cost  to implement will be far less, for example a company has a number of employees who send and receive emails type up documents and use spreadsheets basic everyday functionality. Now let’s compare the cost associated with these various programs created by leading companies.

Operating Systems

Windows 7 Basic
R660

Linux mint

Free to download

Word Processsors

MS Office small business enterprise

R 1879

Open Office

Free to download / Bundled with Linux

Email

MS Outlook
Bundled with Ms Office (certain packages)

Thunderbird

Free to Download / Bundled with Linux

Note that this is all for one user, should there be more than one person using the software then we enter the realm of licenses. For open source you don’t need to worry about that one iota as all copies are legitimate.

Immediately it is clear as to the benefit of switching to free open source software. Not only is it more cost effective but the software that is listed in the table above is probably the best software on the market which is fully supported.  The number of programs available to use for different industries is on the increase example Floreant pos is software for restaurants, the software is free while the support you can pay for.

2. Reliability

MYTH – The code is not the same standard as propriety code.

Proprietary software is made by a set number of employees working on the project. While open source work often has the benefit of multiple developers working on the project from different angles

The foundation of open source coding is high reliability. Open source programs are open to scrutiny from many angles the end result is reliability and robustness most closed proprietary software don’t come close to. Defects are found and fixed quicker. Compare Linux to a Windows operating system, all developers will agree that Linux systems are by far the most stable and reliable and are even more secure than its Windows counterpart. Compare Internet Explorer to Firefox, Internet Explorer was responsible for the Gmail hacking that took place not too long ago due to a security flaw. While Firefox previously known as Netscape is one of the best internet browsers in terms of security.

3. Security

MYTH – The security of the software is quite weak with loopholes.

Again the number of developers has the added benefit of making the code for lack of a better term “bulletproof”. Where as in closed source the code is a closely guarded secret and until a problem is encountered nothing gets fix.

Linux users have little to worry about viruses, Trojans or other malicious software that is so common to a Windows user and the basis of the It security industry. Linux Systems are developed with networking in mind thus have a higher degree of security developed, it is not invulnerable to attack but the architecture is much stronger.

4. No more monopoly

With open source you are not bound to only one company for all your updates and software upgrades which tend to charge very high prices. Think of what could happen if the company closes down.

5. Support

MYTH – When something goes wrong you don’t have the support as you would with store bought software.

As the code is freely available any developer who worked on the project or not will be able to assist with a bug the software may encounter. Think of it like this if your car breaks down and your mechanic is really busy you take it to the next mechanic. OSS runs on the same principle. The current model of business is to allow the program to be free to the users while offering a support structure should the user needs it. Most people are happy paying for that service creating an environment for the client to reap the benefits due to high service quality.

6. Innovation

MYTH – There are no upgrades for the software, what you see is what you get.

Innovation is quicker for OSS, companies often want a custom interface or an added feature this speeds up the process of development. As opposed to waiting for a new release with proprietary, OSS is ready to be update when you need it to be not when a company says you must and obviously for without its hefty fee unless you need something specifically designed. Open source makes it easier for companies to keep up to date with changes in the market place due to its customisation allowing a company to change easily and maintain a competitive edge.

What have we learnt?

Open source is not some lone programmer with lot of free time developing software in his room. The real strength with open source is the global network of developers that can improve it to no end making it a very reliable piece of code. The cost involved is far lower than closed proprietary software. Support is available either free or paid for and it is widely available you are not tied to using one support centre with a fuzzy digitally operated telephone operator that is only available between 9 and 5 unless maintenance is being run because it has crashed due to a software updated. Importantly you can get exactly what you want for your business, instead of having a massive program where you use only 30% of the features.

Related Posts

• Business and Flu
• Sitepoint Christmas Countdown 2011 – Make money like they do!
• Will Apple Lead The Mobile Race For Much Longer?

Leave a comment