What is Open-Source Software? Definition of Open-Source Software

Latest Software keeps on getting introduced in the market or for that matter every now & then, a new software having a lot of utility, hits the market. The users need to move on with the current trend so that the latest technologies can be used effectively. Everybody wants to access the latest, the best, and the most trendy ones. Nobody wants to lag behind. Everyone wants to be the beneficiary of the latest developments. When we talk about software this statement equally holds water.

The IT professionals working for various organizations are perhaps the most fortunate lot, the reason being they can access the best, as such latest and expensive softwares are procured by their company so that they can use these softwares, assisting them in their official chores, however, for general users, this facility is not available. They have to pay for it which burns a hole in their pocket. In such a scenario, if one gets the facility to use softwares without paying anything for it then surely it's a great boon. This article will highlight the significance of open-source softwares. In order to know more about the nitty gritties of such softwares and have a better grasp of such softwares, go through this article in its totality.

What is Open-Source Software?

Such computer software that gets released under a license by which the copyright holder grants users the right to use, study, change and even distribute the software is called Open-source Software ( OSS)

For using Open source software you don't need any permission, it is meant to be used by one and all, and such softwares may be developed in a collaborative public manner. It is a classic example of open collaboration.

One of the significant aspects of Open - source software development is that it brings out diverse perspectives beyond those of a single company. In fact, if the report of Standish Group in 2008 is something to go by, then it is evident that open-source software development models have been responsible for saving to the tune of about $600 billion per year for the consumers. That's a hefty sum of money, by all stretch of the imagination.

Definition of Open-Source Software

It is perhaps important to state that, the open-source definition is considered or has been recognized by several Governments internationally, as the standard or de facto definition.

It is also necessary to highlight the fact, that many leading open-source software projects & contributors like FreeBSD Foundation, Mozilla Foundation, Wikimedia Foundation, Debian, Drupal Foundation, openSUSE Foundation, Linux Foundation as well as Wordpress Foundation have expressed and committed their support in upholding OSI's mission as well as Open Source Definition through the OSI Affiliate Agreement.

OSI uses The Open Source Definition to figure out whether it is of the opinion that a software license is open-source or not.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Open-Source Software

It is an open secret that in comparison to proprietary software, one can access and obtain Open - source software more conveniently, hence it is used by more & more users. It has another edge, the fact that it helps build developer loyalty therefore, the developers get a sense of ownership of the end product. They can sense their contribution and feels more empowered.

The cost of marketing & logistical services for OSS is on the lower side so it is another incentive plus it is regarded as quite handy in promoting a company's image. This approach of developing software has been reliable, to say the least. It has produced some high-quality softwares.

Open-source development extends great flexibility to tap the potential in relation to flexible technologies and innovative measures. Since it has thousands of independent programmers testing & fixing bugs of the software therefore, it has surely more resources in that sense and is more reliable as well. It comes with a great merit and that is the fact, that it is not dependent on the author or company who developed it at the outset. Assuming even if the company fails, the code will still remain in existence and can be developed by its users. Incompatible formats have been experienced with proprietary software however, this is never a concern with Open - source softwares, as it uses open standards accessible to everyone.

You might be wondering, how can it be attributed to a technology which is flexible? Well, it is due to the fact, that a modular system lets programmers build custom interfaces and also add up new abilities. You see, the open-source programs are the product that comes to the forefront due to the contribution of the developmental effort of a lot of programmers. So you can see the mix of divergent perspectives, corporate objectives, and even personal innovation coming into play while such softwares gets developed.

When you build something for commercial purposes, invariably you will have to spend/invest a lot. Since cost is usually a constraint, therefore, the final product may lack quality or in some cases, the developer may have to compromise to some extent due to the cost element.

In the case of free softwares, it gets developed based upon technical requirements so the equation of commercial pressure gets nullified to a great degree at the outset. Commercial pressure forces the software developer to give more priority to their client's requirement instead of security requirements, as such security features are less visible.

A lot of people have opined, that Open - source development process may not be well defined and certain steps or stages in development may be ignored or not adhered to. Maybe this statement holds water for few minor programmer projects, but you cannot keep aside the set standard official procedure totally,

Let's be fair & genuine in accepting, that all OSS initiatives have not seen the light of the day. For instance, SourceXchange and Eazel have not been successful. The people who are dead against the concept of Open -source software feels that due to unclear process, late identification of defects or late defects discovery and lack of empirical evidence, etc have been the major sources that have contributed to the failure of OSS, the most.

Further, it is important to mention another shortcoming of OSS and that is the fact, that OSS does not provide the right environment to design & develop a sound business model around it. Yes, it is also believed by few that OSS can although fulfill the technical requirements, but not the demand of the markets as much. Some of the technical professionals belonging to this field very strongly feel, that for a hacker it is relatively easier to study and detect the loopholes of the software and exploit the same by influencing or coaxing a developer who was part of the development of that software however, the same cannot be attributed to a close source software.

Conclusion

As stated in this article, the significance and Impact of Open - source software have been manifold. It has been a significant means of accessing software for a lot of people. These people have been served by such softwares, no denying this fact. Such softwares have few weaknesses as well. People will keep using OSS. It is a source that acts as a relief for those who can't afford to spend a lot on buying and installing software. It's significant and we can neglect its value for practical purposes in particular.

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