Why Use Open-Source Software?
- Freedom
- Because free redistribution is a requirement, the monetary costs of procurement are virtually nonexistent. Therefore, FLOSS is basically free as in "gratis" as well as in "libre". That freedom allows for enhanced flexibility in deployment. And because there is no need for licence negotiations with vendors, customization can be performed at will.
- Security
- As peer review is a pillar of the FLOSS movement, vulnerabilities are more likely to be noticed and patched in the process of on-going development. Also, the rate at which this happens is faster because anyone (e.g. users) can contribute. Without this peer review, such as in closed-source systems, security is essentially reliant upon security through obscurity, a largely discredited strategy.
- Standardization
- The nature of open source makes it more standards-based, and therefore promotes accessibility. Users are not dependent on proprietary concepts, tools or formats. For example, OpenDocument is a standard format for office applications that is publicly accessible and can be implemented freely. A positive side effect of standardization in the context of software is the prevention of vendor lock-in.
2006 - 2008 Openject Consulting 