Nowadays, open-source software and code are everywhere, especially in an open project that we can find easily in the Internet like SourceForge or Google Code. The term “new frontiers” of programming does not apply for today anymore. Most of the best algorithms that need for coding have already been written. Spending time to rewrite a code or algorithm that it has been done is a waste of time since they are given free as open-source. In addition, some programmers have generously donated their code for free to help improve on a specific project.
So, open-source seems to be a good point we should do. In my opinion, however, before you use an open-source software, I want to discuss about how open-source will be our future.
So, open-source seems to be a good point we should do. In my opinion, however, before you use an open-source software, I want to discuss about how open-source will be our future.
1. Stability - Is open-source software stable?
Stability is really important for any software program, and there should be no argument about that. The community is a base of any open-source software. A good open-source community should have hard-working developers, and users support infrastructure. Most communities offer such things like:
 |
| Closed circle of open-source industry |
- releases that are recent enough to be useful
- up to date and helpful documentation
- a helpful and active mailing list
- automated tests
- well maintained change notes
- well managed issue tracker
- well managed version control system
As a result, the community is the stability of any open-source software. Unlike commercial software, the open-source one gets updated quickly when a bug or a security hole is found. Yet the size of an open-source community will be reflex its stability.
2. Support - Can I get the help I need?
Some people say that they couldn’t reach any support when they need because there are no free toll numbers and support teams. It seems to be right since open-source software doesn’t have direct support. Again, open-source is all about its community. In fact, it can be a lot easier to get the help you need through the vast community of open-source users. I suggest that you should register to any supported forum, then ask questions, and get the help you need almost right away.
3. Cost - What's it going to cost me?
Unlike any commercial software with the same features and functionality, the open-source software is usually free. In some complex open-source software system, users will need supported for implementation with a fee such as RedHat Linux, CMS system. However, it is way cheaper when comparing to the commercial one.
 |
| Low cost open-source vs. commercial software |
4. Flexibility - Can I move it, change it, or tweak it?
The beauty of the open-source program is its ability to become exactly what you want it to be. For example, we can easily see what difference between android and iOS. People are changing to android more and more because iOS doesn’t give to its users the ability to customize the system. People like android because of its flexibility and customization. As a result, open-source software frees users from the grip of being out dated.
5. Security - Will my stored data be safe?
First, I will say that the “open” term in open-source is to only refer to the source code itself, not the data stored in the system. Because of the constant update, open-source seems to be safer. If an open-source system is well implemented and followed correctly security procedures, your data in the system will be just fine. There is no difference between an open-source and commercial program from being attacked by hackers. The rate is same for both.
 |
| Open Source Wildly Used |
Because of all advantages above, I will say “YES” to open-source because it benefits for the community in many ways. In short, open-source will be the best choice for small business or a start-up company with short budget. However, users must stay in the community to get the support when they need.
References:
1. Good or Bad? The Verdict on Open Source CMS
http://www.cmscritic.com/good-or-bad-the-verdict-on-open-source-cms/
2. Balancing stability and innovation in open source
http://blog.startifact.com/posts/older/balancing-stability-and-innovation-in-open-source.html
Fantastic post Quang! Very informative, I especially liked the links you used for your posts. You included your references and the post was very well written, hitting all important points and concerns regarding open source software. As I found for my blog entry, most of these challenges are also faced by proprietary software models, but you went above and beyond and addressed how they effect open source. I particularly enjoyed the blurb regarding security and open source software. Information security dictates that attackers know the system before hand, that it's not a secret, so open source is really as secure as that of proprietary models. Great post!
ReplyDeleteHi Krzysztof,
DeleteFirst I would like to say thanks for visiting my blog.
I would say open-source should be our future because not all companies or individual is able to afford the commercial software. It seems to be true when applying to the poor or developing countries, especially in Africa and Asia. In addition, open-source will push more in the evolution of digital era. It is really no need to build up any thing from scratch when they have already written. People can save a lot of time from using an open-source program or system to make it even more better and functional. Except all 5 issues above, there might be some weak points about open-source; however, people will say "YES" to any good and free stuffs, right?
Great article Quang! Everything is nicely presented in a format that is easy to read, and it is clear that you put a lot of effort into writing this. Your content is good too, but the one thing that I would suggest is to make sure your sentences are properly articulating what you want to say because at times I wasn't sure what message you were trying to send with certain statements. In any case, I still think that the article was put together quite nicely, job well done!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashkon,
DeleteThanks for visiting my blog. I figure out that when I number each topic in the post, then it helps we easily read the whole post without skipping details. As the post was not checked by Criterion yet, some typing errors and confused ideas need to be proofread.
I am really appreciated your comment. I have already fixed some of confused sentences in the post. Your suggestion is valuable to me, and it helps me a lot to improve the post and my writing as well.
I love your introduce for its cool spirit of open source software. It is very interesting to see the significance open source play in our life. You have a lot of valid and good points about open source being constantly self supporting body or work that is always there to help out people. I truly love the way you phrased the ideas that open source constantly innovates itself. It is impressive to ponder how much open source has given to technology and how much we take from it in every day life. Your blog shows well that you took your time and understood the ideas behing open source. I have coded for seven years and truth be told, I never get tired of programming and I love open source. It is a very rewording experience to know that someone can support you when you need help. You transition well from topic to topic, great job.
ReplyDeleteHi Dima,
DeleteI am glad that you love open source. As a programmer, I see that it is a waste of time when building some thing from scratch since they have already written. Reusing code is the main idea of open source. We can see how Android grows today. People also love Android because its flexibility and customization to the system. There is no argument that Android will go big in the near future. It is good to have someone who is on the same page about this topic. Thanks for visiting my blog.