[pic]Open Source Software and
Its Impact on Developing Countries
What is Open Source Software?
Open source have become a very popular strategy in the distribution of software. Today it’s generally not a matter of whether or not one should use open source software, but rather, where one should use it. This concept has influence the software market and provided opportunities to developing countries that were not possible before. Open source software is “Software for which the human-readable source code is available for use, study, reuse, modification, enhancement, and redistribution by the users of that software.”
Open Source vs. Proprietary Software
Open source is different from proprietary software which is supplied under a license agreement which may require a fee to use the software, or may limit the number of machines the software can be used on and which usually prohibits any copying or redistribution. Open source software is made available under a different type of license that allows users to use, copy, redistribute and modify the source code. Software is considered to be “open source” if its source code is available under a license approved by the Open Source Initiative (OSI – non-profit corporation).
Value categories of Open Source Software:
Security
With all computer software there are always security risks, but with proprietary closed source software the code is hidden so it’s more difficult to find these issues. Open Source software is developed with its code in the open and therefore receives scrutiny from many organizations.
Affordability
Open source software doesn't require expensive licenses or yearly subscriptions to utilize the software. More funds can be spent on implementing features that matter more to the organization, or customized to make the software meet specific needs.
Transparency
Open source software is just that, open. You have the ability to examine the code without restrictions.... [continues]
Its Impact on Developing Countries
What is Open Source Software?
Open source have become a very popular strategy in the distribution of software. Today it’s generally not a matter of whether or not one should use open source software, but rather, where one should use it. This concept has influence the software market and provided opportunities to developing countries that were not possible before. Open source software is “Software for which the human-readable source code is available for use, study, reuse, modification, enhancement, and redistribution by the users of that software.”
Open Source vs. Proprietary Software
Open source is different from proprietary software which is supplied under a license agreement which may require a fee to use the software, or may limit the number of machines the software can be used on and which usually prohibits any copying or redistribution. Open source software is made available under a different type of license that allows users to use, copy, redistribute and modify the source code. Software is considered to be “open source” if its source code is available under a license approved by the Open Source Initiative (OSI – non-profit corporation).
Value categories of Open Source Software:
Security
With all computer software there are always security risks, but with proprietary closed source software the code is hidden so it’s more difficult to find these issues. Open Source software is developed with its code in the open and therefore receives scrutiny from many organizations.
Affordability
Open source software doesn't require expensive licenses or yearly subscriptions to utilize the software. More funds can be spent on implementing features that matter more to the organization, or customized to make the software meet specific needs.
Transparency
Open source software is just that, open. You have the ability to examine the code without restrictions.... [continues]
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(2011, 12). Open Source Software and Its Impact on Developing Countries. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 12, 2011, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Open-Source-Software-And-Its-Impact-878935.html
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"Open Source Software and Its Impact on Developing Countries" StudyMode.com. 12 2011. 12 2011 <http://www.studymode.com/essays/Open-Source-Software-And-Its-Impact-878935.html>.
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"Open Source Software and Its Impact on Developing Countries." StudyMode.com. 12, 2011. Accessed 12, 2011. http://www.studymode.com/essays/Open-Source-Software-And-Its-Impact-878935.html.
