| Open source software has rapidly became | | | | |
| commonplace in the industry. It is no longer | | | | Open source software is always changing and |
| considered second rate and is competing with | | | | evolving. The idea to allow it to keep |
| the industry leaders for both users and | | | | growing and improving. Through these |
| popularity. THey are now competing in almost | | | | improvements more and more applications are |
| every area of the industry with commercial | | | | being introduced. Many tools are being |
| programs and they allow everyone to have a | | | | developed and new packages are being |
| chance to get affordable, often free, | | | | introduced that are comparable to the |
| programs that are just as good, if not | | | | commercial options. |
| better, than the alternative, expensive | | | | |
| choices. | | | | Changes make open source products valuable to |
| | | | business. They are becoming more common in |
| Open source software falls into one of two | | | | business atmospheres where they are being |
| areas of philosophy. One area is the Free | | | | used over non-open source programs. These |
| Software Movement. Under this movement it is | | | | products are more usable and cost efficient. |
| thought that such software should be free. It | | | | They offer the same performance reliability |
| should never be owned and the original | | | | as non-open source option, but without the |
| programming should be respected and | | | | cost and with far less risk of crashes and |
| protected. Above all else, everything should | | | | problems. They are also easy to use and |
| remain open source if it uses their code. The | | | | usually developed to be user friendly. |
| other area is the Open Source Movement. This | | | | |
| movement is more business friendly. It allows | | | | The biggest challenge of open source software |
| for a BSD license that allows the programmer | | | | is the legal aspect. There are concerns over |
| to use the code without having a requirement | | | | patent infringement issues with Microsoft, |
| that any changes be shared. | | | | who has already voiced concerns. Software |
| | | | License compliance is another area of |
| One good thing about the latter is that it | | | | concern. The requirements for commercial |
| allows businesses to use these programs | | | | software licensing is quite strict. Managing |
| without concern that they must give up their | | | | licenses can be a hassle, but the scare of an |
| business plan or information to the public | | | | audit makes it a requirement. |
| under the Free Software Movement ideals. Due | | | | |
| to their lower cost most businesses are | | | | Open source software has a bright future and |
| readily using it, so this movement is much | | | | many applications. It is sure to not fade |
| better suited with its philosophies for | | | | from the spotlight, but actual find its star |
| programs that is to be used for business | | | | glowing much brighter than ever before. |
| needs. | | | | |