Open-Source and Free Software Models: An Overview

The proliferation of computer and Internet technologies has created a significant landscape in which computer programmers and designers have had to develop new hardware and software tools that can be utilized in a wide range of settings. Although the many of the tools that have been developed have not been overly successful toward facilitating more efficiency or widespread use, there are a number of tools that have been developed that have been widely exploited and utilized for development. In particular, open source and free software models have both proven to be highly successful. Despite this overall success however each has its benefits and drawbacks.

With the realization that open source and free software models have been pertinent to the development of computer software there is a clear impetus to examine these bottles and their overall advantages and disadvantages. Utilizing this as a basis for research, this investigation considers: the difference between the open-source and free software movements, a review of how the free software model complements and conflicts with the proprietary software model used by companies such as Microsoft, and which type of software model would be more likely to dominate the software marketplace. Through a careful consideration of what has been written on the open source and free software movements, it should be possible to provide more integral understanding of these models and their flexibility for application in the marketplace.

The Open Source and Free Software Models-An Overview

In order to begin this investigation, it is first helpful to consider a basic of both the open source and free software models. Considering first what has been written about open-source software or OSS, it is evident that this software model is one that has been viewed as highly unique in the context of software development. Healy and Schussman (2003) define the context of OSS as follows:

Traditional software development follows a familiar pattern. A company writes a program and then tries to sell it. The program's 'source code' is a trade secret, just like an auto manufacturer's blueprints for its cars. By contrast-as the name suggests-the source code in an OSS project is available to anyone who wants it. Software is developed and maintained by a community of volunteers. Essentially, anyone is free to take the results of this work and modify it, extend its capabilities, or incorporate it into their own projects (p. 3).

What this effectively suggests is that numerous programs can be developed and run using the same basic source code as the basis for development.

Considering that the model of free software (FS) that has been developed, it is evident that free software is also an extension of a the open source idea. Free software or freeware includes entire programs that can be utilized by the consumer as obtained. Although the software is free to anyone who desires to utilize it, researchers to do that this software carries with it a heavy burden of responsibility for the user. According to Steinhart (2005) (p. 76). What is effectively implies is that users can acquire usable software that can improve overall computer utility. However, when problems arise with the software the developer is not responsible for the outcomes. Users must keep this in mind when utilizing free software.

Summarizing the information that has presented with respect to both the open source software and free software movements, it becomes evident that software developers engaging in this type of product development are interested in the proliferation of information and the development of new software products. Clearly, OSS and FS provide the individual with a cost-conscious alternative that can be utilized for the development of new computer. Further research demonstrates that because these models can be accessed by a wide audience the utility and applicability of these tools has grown significantly in recent years. As the utility and applicability of OSS and FS grow, more organizations are considering using these tools as a cost effective means for the development of information technology systems (Simon, 2005)

Proprietary Software

Comparing open source and free software models to proprietary software models, researchers have noted that proprietary software offers the end-user a product that is developed, tested and guaranteed by the developer. Proprietary software is developed by organizations such as Microsoft. The source code that is utilized for the development of this software is protected by the organization. As such, owners of proprietary software can charge significant fees for individuals and organizations to purchase licensing agreements to utilize the software. Proprietary software is what most computer users acquire when purchasing a new computer-i.e. Windows and Internet Explorer are examples of proprietary software. Although the cost of proprietary software is considerably high as cases, the integrity of this software is guaranteed by the developer. As such, organizations that choose to employ proprietary software to not have to worry about system problems as a result of implementing these tools (Ferguson, 2005).

Went examining the differences between open source software and proprietary software, it becomes evident that the most notable difference is a trade-off between costs and the integrity of the software. Although proprietary software costs considerably more than an open source software-which is free-the integrity of the proprietary software is guaranteed to some extent. For organizations whose primary function lies outside of information technology, the ability to effectively manage software complications may be somewhat limited. As such, open-source software may not be the best choice for the development of the organization. However, for organizations that face considerable cost constraints, open-source software may provide the information technology needed by the organization at a significant cost savings (Ferguson, 2005).

Although cost and integrity considerations are important to the choice of software that will be used by both the individual and the organization, researchers have noted that corporations such as Microsoft which produce proprietary software have positioned themselves in the market to prevent the spread of open source software. For instance, Microsoft has established a working agreement with IBM to include its software on all of its new computer models. As a result, when individuals and/or organizations purchase a new computer and they are destined to utilize proprietary software even if they wish to use open source software for computer integration (Ferguson, 2005). Thus, even instances when organizations may openly choose to utilize open source software, this use of this software may pose a significant barrier because proprietary software has already been installed on new computers. Clearly, Microsoft has considered the potential competition that could be raised as a result of open source software. To meet this challenge, Microsoft has taken steps to ensure that its software is disseminated regardless of user preference.

Conclusion

Current research on both open source and proprietary software seems to indicate that as the cost of proprietary software continue to increase the desire for utilizing open source software continues to increase. Platforms such as the Linux operating system are closing in on proprietary software platforms such as those developed by Microsoft. Unfortunately, because the costs of proprietary software had increased dramatically in recent years many organizations believe that open source software is the most salient means to develop information technology platforms that provide them with the competitive edge necessary for financial success. As the number of organizations, both public and private, using open source platforms increases the general trend toward utilizing the software will become more significant. For this reason, it seems reasonable to argue that in the next 10 to 15 years open software will become more prominent than proprietary software.

What is perhaps most interesting about the open source software movement is that it was developed more than 20 years ago as a means to fight against the capitalism that had been borne in the context of exploiting the needs of computer users. Open source software has not yet attained the level of prominence that has been acquired by proprietary software makers such as Microsoft. However, as open source software continues to grow and evolve the integrity of this software continues to improve. Given the considerable cost savings that can be incurred as a result of the utilizing open source software is not surprising to find that both individuals and organizations are moving toward utilizing this software as opposed to proprietary software platforms. In the end, the irony of the situation is quite stunning. A movement that has long been ridiculed by proprietary software developers may soon eclipse everything these developers have sought to create.

References

Ferguson, C. (2005). How Linux could overthrow Microsoft. Technology Review, 108(6), 69-74.

Healy, K., & Schussman, A. (2003). The ecology of open source software. Conference Papers: American Sociological Association. Atlanta Georgia, 1-24.

Simon, K.D. (2005). The value of open standards and open source software in government environments. IBM Systems Journal, 44(2), 227-238.

Steinhart, M.J. (2005). Free software: Good for nothing. PC Magazine, 24(18), 76-77.