What is Open Source?
• Mistaken For ‘Free Software’
• Not From Paying For The Software
• Considered Free From Payment Of Royalties And Other Fees
• Coding Can be Inspected By Anyone
Examples of Open Source
• Mozilla Firefox (Web Browser)
• Open Office (Office Suite)
• Linux (Operating System)
Examples of Commercial
• Internet Explorer (Web Browser)
• Microsoft Office (Office Suite)
• Macintosh/Windows (Operating System)
Advantages Of Open Source Software
• Reliability - less bugs, errors and security issues.
• Stability - how beneficial the software will be in terms of compatibility, ease of use and the likeliness of an issue or problem arising
• Auditability - source code is available for inspection and viewing to anyone with access to the software/internet.
• Cost - could potentially be free, less need for antivirus and third party software
• Freedom – Not tied down to one software, no strategies to keep you locked in
• Flexibility – Compatible due to old formats being turned into newer versions
Disadvantages Of Open Source Software
• Project May ‘Die’ – Funding may cease to exist, investors may back out
• Support Issues – Charge money for support should any bugs/problems arise
• Compatibility – Issues when trying to optimise the software to work on computer
• High Support Costs – Charged for services including install support, troubleshooting, repairing bugs etc.
Motivation of The Open Source Product Creators
• Personal Fulfilment
• Vision
• Sharing A Common Goal
• Using Latest Technology
• Experience
• Meet New People With Same Ambitions
How and why Open Source Software Exists
• Combat Commercial Competitors - Do not like high prices charged for similar software
• Motivation Of Sharing Common Goal – Working in a team to reach a common goal
• Fame – Create a following and gain popularity to make a brand
• Raise Extra Income – Another source/means of income for the developer
• Investments – Gain the interest of business venture capitalists and sponsors
• Branding – Create a brand for the software so that it is in the market
• Conference Speeches – Deliver speeches for the followers at various conferences
Who Funds Open Source
• Sponsorships – Investors may see it as potential business success
• Services - Bugs, Troubleshooting, Install Support, etc all fixed at a price
• Hardware Embedded – Selling devices with the software built into them
• Donations – Made by followers and various members of the public to help make the software expand
Open Source And Developing Countries
• Use Open Source As Alternative – Substitutes for commercial software
• Less Disadvantage – Able to do as the rest of the world can
• Developers Still Benefit – Still generate revenue
• Portray Positive Image – Allowing poorer communities have similar privileges as the richer ones
• Requires Good Infrastructure And Internet Speed
• High Costs if Problems Occur (As mentioned on previous slide)
Opinions And Evaluation Of Open Source Software
• Everyone Benefits
• Can Be Used As A substitute/Alternative
• Unable To Download Without Internet Speed
• Less Disadvantaged Compared To Rest Of The World
• Fair To Charge Money For Income To Expand
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