|
There is a great deal of controversy concerning the worth and necessity of open source software when it is in direct correlation to the information technology (IT) industry. If software is to be considered as “open source,” it is generally known to be free for all and any users, allowed for free redistribution (to support sharing), and also permitted for alterations to update or personalize the software for the user. With this ability built into the software package, it becomes unclear whether or not this is actually beneficial to the IT trade or if it is actually a liability. Its value as a business application, or tool, needs to be thoroughly weighed and clearly thought out prior to the onset of the program's creation.
Open Source: The Right Choice for Employees and Employers
With open source programs being so easy to use, it allows the user access to data and the ability to share files with anyone in the world at little or no expense. Businesses can gain greater ground through market saturation and reduce marketing expenses by supporting their brand and image, while increasing advertising visibility through a reliable yet flexible format which allows the individual developer the freedom to patch and adapt the existing format to suit the needs of the company as it grows. Programs such as these encourage teamwork; and incite system advancements at a much faster rate than traditional formats. Thus, the open source program is most often developed with the consumer in mind.
Open Source: An Open Gateway for Mischievous Hackers
There are a few instances when open source software options may not be the best choices for a business as security is not necessarily at the forefront of the development. Hackers may be more easily permitted to locate a weak point in the program and wreak havoc on businesses and their programs. Often, such defects are not noticed until after a major issue has already occurred, which can result in terrible publicity that could tarnish a company's image. This is usually caused by individuals who fail to adequately test the software before releasing it to the general public. It can also become difficult to track any system errors once the program is released as so many different developers can then lay hands on it and make the changes as they feel necessary to suit their own needs and purposes.
For many intentions, open source software can be a very valuable tool when wielded properly in a somewhat controlled environment that has an adequate inspection system and analysis program in place before the product is released. Although a company may make every effort to provide a safe, competitive, and functional product, mistakes can be made that allow for the possibility of catastrophic events. Care should be taken during creation to prevent any such loopholes that could cause this possibility to become an actuality. To conclude, companies that utilize open source software programs, will usually find that taking the time to develop and test the programs will ensure better business relations with those using it, simply because there will be fewer errors and less computer malfunctions, meanwhile, a product with little testing and development will undoubtedly encounter some potentially shattering consequences.
|
