Open Source Software

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Open Source Software

• By Lance Faxon

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Overview

• Definition of open source and proprietary
• History
• Advantages/disadvantages
• Open source and business
• Example of open source

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What is Open Source

• Definition Any program whose source code is made
  available for use or modification as users or
  other developers see fit.
• Source Code Programming statements that are
  created by a programmer with a text editor or
  visual tool and then saved in a file.

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Proprietary Software

• A program or technology that is owned exclusively
  by a single company that carefully guards
  knowledge about the technology or the products
  inner workings. (Microsoft)

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History of Open Source

• Movement started in the 1980s (1983ish)
• In 1998 changed the title from Free Software
  Movement to Open Source Software
• Thought that free was an ambiguous term that
  would cause too much confusion.

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History of Open Source (Cont.)

• Some people believe that the movement started as
  far back as 1969 (internet) and others think
  1998.

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Cathedral and Bazaar

• Book written by Eric Raymond
• Likened proprietary software to a cathedral
• fully crafted by individual wizards or small
  bands of mages working in splendid isolation.

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Cathedral and Bazaar

• Thought software should be created in a more open
  fashion
• A great babbling bazaar of differing agendas and
  approaches.
• One of the most influential books in the Open
  Source world

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Advantages of Open Source

• Core Software is free
• Software continuously evolves
• Encourages users to be more hands on
• Not tied to a single vendor

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Disadvantages of Open Source

• Projects can die
• Support Issues
• Made for one user not for the masses
• Tough to get through early stages
• If originator of project leaves, project could
  lose focus

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Patents effect on open source

• Many technological patents
• If Open source is not careful they can be
  crippled if they use patented technology
• Submarine patents
• Microsoft claims that open source violates 235 of
  their patents

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Open Source Effect on Business

• Companies with large IT focus are able to
  customize programs
• Cheaper costs for programs
• Better fit for the company

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Open Source Business Models

• How do you make money off a free software?
• Provide installation, customization and
  enhancements
• Offer free service, then after awhile charge
• Get a new license

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Open Source v. Microsoft

• Open Source Advantages
• Cheaper
• More Responsive
• Customized

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Open Source v. Microsoft

• Open Source disadvantages
• Microsoft is much more widely accepted
• Microsoft was the first to market
• Resistance to change
• Less name recognition

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Example of Open Source

• www.sourceforge.net

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QUESTIONS?