RSS feedThe term describes software where all code and information is readily available and can be used, changed and extendedby anyone. This means it returns control to the customer. When customers don't like how one vendor is serving them, they can choose another without overhauling their infrastructure. That means: No more arbitrary pricing. No more technology lock-in. No more monopolies.
Like many other people in the IT industry we believe that Software that is published under a so called "Open Source License" such as GNU leads in the end to better quality, ensures a higher level of security and therefore in the end leads to higher costumer satisfaction.
If freely available software is used, there is no more need to rely on a single software vendor when adjustments and extensions needs to be made. The client has the freedom to choose among different service providers in order to make sure that its critical business processes are continuously supported.
Large software manufacteres that offer highly standardized products (such as SAP etc.) might give certainty and security for its support. But what about solutions that have been developed by smaller software companies in order to serve particular needs of smaller and midsized companies?
In recent years we've seen a lot of smaller companies that have been produced great solutions but went out of business for different reasons. Worst case scenario is that software bought from those companies is no longer supported. A replacement needs to be found and a new investment needs to be undertaken which means binding again valuable resources for research and financial loss for the buyer.
Using free Software under the GNU license prevents this scenario.
The code for the software has been developed by a community that
is organized over the Internet. Nobody owns the code and it can
be used without paying any license fees by anybody who wants to
use it. Since the code is freely available, necessary adjustments
and extensions can be undertaken by all those who have the skills
to do so.
This could be yourself, your nephew or even somebody who is working
on the opposite site of this planet.
It's assumed that all Fortune 500 companies are running at least
on piece of SW that had been make available under this license.
Did you know that almost 70% of all computers worldwide are delivering
websites using this type of free software?
When we speak of free software, we are referring to freedom, not
price. Even if there are no costs for the software itself. Expenses
for distribution, installation and training need to be considered
when software under the Open Source license is used.
But still: You pay considerable less money than for traditional
software packages and at the same time you gain more freedom.
Do you have more more questions regarding Open Source? - Contact us!
