MGT 2200 11.12 - Open Source Software

Characteristics of Closed/Proprietary Software

- Development controlled by the firm - Source code owned by the firm and not related to the public User License - Prevents users from accessing and modifying the source code Usually restricts redistribution of the software and installation on multiple machines - Firm may choose to offer the product or part of it for free (freeware - source code is still proprietary) or charge for it; think freemium

Advantages of OSS

- Reliability: more eyeballs to detect flaw as - Creativity: harnesses creativity of thousands of developers around the globe - Limited Lock in: switching costs re lower than those with proprietary software and code can be modified by the customer or third parties to fit specific needs of a firmest - less reliance on vendors - Simplified Licensing - Lower License Cost

Characteristics of Open Source Software

- Unlike proprietary software, open source software (OSS) is distributed with the express intent of enabling users to gain access to the source code and modify it - Code is published and obtainable freely or for a low cost - users are free to use and study the code - Free distribution: freedom to redistribute the code for free or sell it as a part of a more complex suite - Derived Works/modifications: OSS license allows users to modify SW for internal use. However, different licenses impose different levels of restrictions on distribution of the derivative work - Copyleft licenses: modified version of the software can only be distributed under the same terms as the original software - No discrimination: lincese available to any entity and any endeavor field - Technology neutrality: license is free of technology or interact restrictions - License must not be product specific and must not restrict other software

Disadvantages of OSS

- Unpredictable cost - Support Varies Widely - Security: open source code may give an advantage to those who want to break its security since the code is available - Compatibility: with other software and as technology changes - Legal risks: hard to prevent copyright from entering OSS exposure to patent infringement lawsuits

Explain Open Community

- Volunteer developers with little or no commercial interest - Most number of CSS projects are under this model - SourceForge online repository - Mar 2014 - over 430k OSS projects