Open-Source Software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. “Source code” is the part of the software that most computer users don’t ever see; it’s the code computer programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of softwareβa “program” or “application“βworks. Programmers who have access to a computer program’s source code can improve that program by adding features to it or fixing parts that don’t always work correctly. Open-source software is usually developed as a public collaboration and made freely available.
The term “open source” was created at a strategy session held on February 3rd, 1998 in Palo Alto, California. The group was convened by Eric S. Raymond and Bruce Perens with the goal of promoting open-source development and use among technology companies. The group decided upon using the term βopen sourceβ as an alternative label for what had been called βfree softwareβ. This new label would avoid the political overtones associated with βfree speechβ vs βfree beerβ within the free software movement, while still conveying many of the same concepts.
There are many benefits to using open-source examine if Open Source Software Is Right for Your Business? Below are three key reasons:
1) Cost – Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of using open-source solutions is cost savings due to lower licensing fees charged by vendors compared to traditional closed-source counterparts.
2) Freedom – With freedom comes power choice which gives businesses more control over their destiny when it comes to technology decisions affecting company operations.
3) Security – In some cases may actually be more secure since developers have the ability to inspect and review code for security vulnerabilities as opposed to relying on a single vendor.