Monday 17 November 2014

10 Common Myths About Open Source Projects

The technology world is fast emerging but the top question still remains – which one to opt for – open source or proprietary. Well, open source technology is not purely open source all the time these days. And proprietary software companies are buying open source companies to run their own open source projects. Both open source and proprietary models produce good products but still there are lots of myths surrounding open source projects which need to be debunked. Let's take a look at the most common myths about open source projects and software.

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Myth 1. It's all about Linux versus Windows:

Well open source is not about the face-off between Linux versus Windows and it has much more to offer. Open source has a huge impact on the rise of Internet, rise of exciting and innovative technologies, rise of tech companies and businesses. Linux has hardly to do anything in all these cases in reality. Well if you are still of the notion that open source is synonymous only to Linux then you are definitely living in the stone age of computing.

Myth 2. Open source software costs no money:

Assumptions are there that no money is needed for an open source software and many users seek to buy an open source product for the same reason. But that's not the case with open source all the time as using an open source software requires access to the source code. A vendor of a project can charge users for a software license and the free part remains only in the aspect that users are free to access the source code and modify the same, adhering to the license terms.

Myth 3. Open Source is less secure:

As the source code can be accessed easily, it poses risk also, many open source enthusiasts think so. But that's not true. Vulnerabilities are present in both proprietary and open source software. Well in open source software the security issues can be discovered and fixed in an easier way. Necessary support is also provided to prevent, manage, detect and fix any security issue in an open source software project.

Myth 4. Open source companies do not own their intellectual property:

This is one more misconception as any open source software is also subjected to similar copyright laws just like closed source software but open source softyware suppliers can share their IP with others. That's how products are launched in a faster way in the markets and no monopoly is allowed. The support services cannot be controlled by any organisation and these software are actually more cost-effective for customers.

Myth 5. Open source is harder to maintain:

If this myth would come out true, then there would be no Linux till now. But Linux has actually grown stronger than ever. Last year one of the most popular gaming distribution platforms, Valve’s Steam, was again an open source project, which means maintenance of an open source project is not at all a problem.

Myth 6. Open source and Cloud DAM are different:

DAM systems are classified as one of the three categories including open source, proprietary or closed source and software as a service or cloud. But the reality is that DAM systems can be both proprietary and open source. DAM systems usually have Cloud hosting options and these can be implemented easily in the proper environment.

Myth 7. Open Source is all about infrastructure:

Open source technologies arrived first at the system level and then it started supporting Cloud infrastructure services and platforms. So open source software is not only meant for infrastructure related developments but it has also been used for Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), marketing automation applications and so on.

Myth 8. “Open source technology does not offer professional level support:

Today the scene is completely different. Open source providers offer professional support so that the software can be used in major global companies. The business model of open source software largely depends on customer support services.

Myth 9. Open source is not enterprise-grade:

But the largest organisations across the globe are using open source software these days including Amazon, Google, IBM, Facebook, Twitter, McDonalds, London Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, Audi, BMW and more so.

Myth 10. Open source products are developed by amateurs:

A popular myth goes like open source software is being developed by amateurs or hobby-loving developers. Well this is again a stone age concept and definitely not the case in present times. Open source vendors are increasing in large amount as demands for these software are also increasing, resulting in more investment opportunities. Thus, open source projects don't lack professionalism at all.

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