Open Source, Good or Bad?
“Open source” is a keyword that still gets a lot of buzz in the field of software development. Based on various interpretations of its meaning it can be regarded as a great benefit or a poor call when implementing for business applications. In a production environment, or when you rely on business software applications for critical functions, you don’t want to take chances with the security and stability, and you will undoubtedly come in need of technical support.
The idea of open source is literally to make the raw source code available for public inspection, and the potential benefit is that through the synergy of other talented programmers they will optimize and improve on the original design. The implication is also that the software won’t belong to anyone specifically and it will be free of cost to the public. To some this is a great move forward in modern software development, but to others it equates with “amateur” workmanship and the potential for catastrophic failure without a safety net.
It’s a common maxim that “two heads are better than one.” Often having different perspectives on a problem will help avoid getting stuck and can bring out clever solutions. Proprietary software developers keep their source code locked up to protect their intellectual property, but that locks out constructive input from others. This can lead to eroding innovation and optimization in coding, and it drastically limits the flexibility in applying code in practical uses. By opening the source code for anyone to alter and improve, it opens the potential for making the the software more powerful and versatile than the original author could have imagined.
However, the cons can give managers hypertension and many sleepless nights as they worry about the stability and security of open source software in the operation critical business applications. Since the software code is openly available it gives anyone with malicious intent all the clues they need to attack or exploit the system. Open source also lacks the critical element of sufficient bug or stress testing. Since open source is by definition a “hobby project” it often not possible to ensure quality standards and stability in intense use. The real kicker is that open source software includes little to zero technical support in case of an emergency. Although the cost of the software may be much lower, you may pay for it in botched security or in a system crash.
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