Open Source
A Definition of Open Source
Open source technology is defined as the production and development philosophy of allowing end users and developers to not only see the source code of software, but modify it as well. The Linux operating system is a one of the best-known examples of open source software technology.
Pros and Cons of Open Source for Developers
From a developer’s point of view, open source technologies provide a platform on which to build custom solutions. Rather than develop, say, an entire proprietary operating system, developers can build and improve upon the already existing open source Linux operating system platform. In this way, more time is spent on the specific task to be solved rather than getting the system up and running to the point where it is stable and reliable.
Unfortunately, this means that other developers have access to the developer’s work and can easily create a competing product. One of the reasons why Microsoft has such a huge market share of the operating system industry is because its software operates on a closed source paradigm; no one but those people privy to the source code can customize Windows. In addition, developers must be prepared to have their work publicly scrutinized. Almost everything in open source is viewable by other developers. If a developer makes a major mistake, it can become public information and tarnish the developer’s reputation
Business Utilization of Open Source Software
Open source software is used in many businesses and is used in more ways then people realize. The idea behind open source is the development of high quality, reliable and low-cost software. Some of the organizations using open source software include Travelocity, Wikipedia, and the US Postal Service. Some the widely used applications include Apache web service, Vyatta, 7zip and Open Office.
Open system vs. closed system.
Closed systems such as Microsoft products are the property of the company who developed and
Open source technology is defined as the production and development philosophy of allowing end users and developers to not only see the source code of software, but modify it as well. The Linux operating system is a one of the best-known examples of open source software technology.
Pros and Cons of Open Source for Developers
From a developer’s point of view, open source technologies provide a platform on which to build custom solutions. Rather than develop, say, an entire proprietary operating system, developers can build and improve upon the already existing open source Linux operating system platform. In this way, more time is spent on the specific task to be solved rather than getting the system up and running to the point where it is stable and reliable.
Unfortunately, this means that other developers have access to the developer’s work and can easily create a competing product. One of the reasons why Microsoft has such a huge market share of the operating system industry is because its software operates on a closed source paradigm; no one but those people privy to the source code can customize Windows. In addition, developers must be prepared to have their work publicly scrutinized. Almost everything in open source is viewable by other developers. If a developer makes a major mistake, it can become public information and tarnish the developer’s reputation
Business Utilization of Open Source Software
Open source software is used in many businesses and is used in more ways then people realize. The idea behind open source is the development of high quality, reliable and low-cost software. Some of the organizations using open source software include Travelocity, Wikipedia, and the US Postal Service. Some the widely used applications include Apache web service, Vyatta, 7zip and Open Office.
Open system vs. closed system.
Closed systems such as Microsoft products are the property of the company who developed and