What is Open Source Software?

Open Source software is software that is given away freely. But more than that, the source code to the software is also given away. That means not only that anyone can use the software, but anyone can see exactly how it works. And even more, anyone can take that software, change it, and redistribute it. The quintessential example is the Linux operating system, but there is a very large collection of such software.

Why would anyone “give away” quality software?
The open source concept is very simple: When programmers can read, redistribute, and modify the source code for a piece of software, the software evolves. People improve it, people adapt it, people fix bugs. This can happen at a speed that, if one is used to the slow pace of conventional software development, seems astonishing.

We in the open source community have learned that this rapid evolutionary process produces better software than the traditional closed model, in which only a very few programmers can see the source and everybody else must blindly use an unintelligible binary image.

Open Source Software is an idea whose time has finally come. For twenty years it has been building momentum in the technical cultures that built the Internet and the World Wide Web. Now it's breaking out into the commercial world, and it's changing all the rules. Are you ready?

You usually get what you pay for – is it actually any good?

Consider the astonishing growth of the Internet and World Wide Web. This would never have been possible without the efforts of thousands of voluntarily collaborating developers from around the world. Since the software is free, there is no pressure to release it before it is ready just to achieve some sales target - every version is declared to be finished only when it is actually ready. Motivation is a major factor here: Open Source Software taps into the true motivation of programmers in a way that corporations rarely can – they like to showcase their best work for their peers, and with open source, they can. Their work is publicly available for peer review worldwide, open to scrutiny, critique and contributions from worldwide experts whose major aim is improving it, but also their personal reputation is attached to everything they release. Contrast this with the fact that at most corporations, the programmers best (and worst) work is hidden behind locked and guarded doors

In conclusion, there every reason to expect better quality standards from Open Source Software than its proprietary equivalents. Open source promotes software reliability and quality by supporting independent peer review and rapid evolution of source code. To be OSI certified the software must be distributed under a license that guarantees the right to read, redistribute, modify, and use the software freely.

What kind of Open Source Software is available?

There are Open Source Programs for doing almost anything. Some examples are:

• A complete replacement for Microsoft Office
• A complete replacement for File and Print services
• A functional replacement for MS Exchange Server
• The most popular web server on the Internet (Apache)
• Fully featured SQL database packages (MySQL, Postgres, mSQL)
• Comprehensive choices of programming languages and development tools
• Graphics, Audio, Video, CD and DVD editing/authoring tools
• Embedded software for Networking Devices, Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

What can it do for me?

It can:

• Improve Reliability
• Improve Stability
• Enhance Auditability
• Reduce Costs
• Increase Flexibility and Freedom
• Provide better Support and Accountability

OK, but if it's so good, why isn't everyone using it?

Actually the movement may be more widespread than you realise – you may be using it yourself without knowing. According to authoritative research company Netcraft's latest report (October 2006), over 61% of all Internet Web Servers use Apache, an Open Source product. More and more organisations are using or seriously considering Open Source, and many are realising that it's viable, the benefits far outweigh the risks and it offers real cost savings and value year after year. The truth is, that proprietary vendors have a lot to lose, and have aggressively defended their position by spreading FUD (Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt) and exploited customers' fears over many of the aspects raised in this FAQ. However, the disproportionate amount of effort they have expended on this exercise clearly demonstrates one thing above all others: that they are taking Open Source Technology seriously - and so should you - rest assured your competitors will be. Examples of organisations who have switched to, or are using it are:

• Google
• Amazon
• Novell
• Munich City Council, Germany - 16,000 desktops
• Birmingham City Council, UK - 2,000 desktops
• John Lewis, UK - Strategic Business Applications
• Vodafone - Strategic Business Applications
• Europcar International
• Toyota Motor Sales, US
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Travelocity
• Plus Finanzservice - Germany
• Government of Mexico City
• Bergen Schools - Norway
  

Who are OSM, and why should I talk to you?

We are Open Source Migrations Limited, of the UK, and we are "Open - for Business"
We specialise in helping organisations migrate to open source solutions, and can help with:

• Planning
• Risk Analysis
• Training
• Project and Programme Management
• Consultancy
• Software Development

We have:

• Vast experience with various Operating Systems and Applications built up over decades in industry
• Wide knowledge of business and commerce in various market sectors
• High levels of expertise in Project, Programme Management, Development and System Design
• Extensive specialist knowledge of deploying Open Source products and tools for maximum benefit
• Devised a comprehensive methodology to ensure successful Open Source Migrations for our clients

Interested? What next?
Contact us to arrange a no-obligation initial consultation. We will discuss your requirements and conduct a high level evaluation of your infrastructure, assessing the potential benefits of migrating all or part of your IT systems to OSS. We will then provide you with a summary report detailing the options, an overview risk/benefit analysis and our recommendations. Then you can make an informed decision as to if and how you would like to take things further.