Advantages and disadvantages of open source
Open source software has stood out as a viable alternative to proprietary software since its appearance in the 1980s. Such systems have proven to be not only an ethical solution, but also economical and productive.
What is open source software?
Open source is the term used for software distributed under a license that allows the user access to the source code. This type of license allows the study and modification of the software with total freedom. In addition, redistribution is permitted as long as this possibility is in accordance with the license terms under which the software is purchased.
Advantages of open source
The main advantage of open source software is the ability to share, modify and study the source code of a computer system. On the other hand, open source promotes collaboration among users. This feature involves the rapid and varied development of a multitude of tools. For example, users of a given program can customize, fix bugs, or improve basic functionality through community members, forums, etc.
Open source software belongs to the community, so its development and updates depend mainly on them, thus increasing confidence in the continuity of the program.
Disadvantages of open source
While the benefits of open source software can be significant, there are also a number of disadvantages that companies must be aware of. There is no claim or technical support. Open source programs, in most cases, have no company behind them to provide support or to which any kind of claim can be made. For example, in the event of any type of problem, the company would be forced to look for the solution in the community or develop it from the internal ICT department, which may involve an unexpected economic and productive expense.
Although the possibility of program continuity is a positive aspect, if the system is not supported by a community, the software may become obsolete. Companies that suffer this type of inconvenience will be forced to acquire a new program with greater acceptance or to develop their own tool already implemented.
Open Source Software Requirements
The concept of open source focuses on the assumption that by allowing users to view and modify the code, they will develop software that is superior in quality to proprietary software.
As established by the Open Source Initiative, open source software must meet a number of criteria to be considered as such. These requirements are:
Free redistribution: the software must be able to be given away or distributed freely.
Source code: the source code must be included or obtained freely.
Derived works: the redistribution of modifications must be allowed.
Integrity of author source code: licenses may require that modifications be redistributed as patches only.
No discrimination against individuals or groups.
License distribution: the same rights should apply to everyone who receives the program.
The license must not be product-specific: the program cannot be licensed only as part of a larger distribution.
The license must not restrict other software: the license may not require that any other software that is distributed with the open source software must also be open source.
The license must be technologically neutral: acceptance of the license by means of a mouse click access or other specific form of the software support medium should not be required.
