What is Open Source Software?
What is open source software? This free software is being gobbled up by consumers and for good reason.
Open source software is distributed free under a software license and gives users access to the program’s source code. This is as opposed to proprietary software, which is distributed for a fee (usually as a retail purchase) under a copyright and comes with only the compiled version so that users cannot access the source code. These two approaches are borne of their corresponding philosophies – those who develop open source software believe that the masses should have access to the best possible software, while those who produce proprietary software believe that they should be paid for their hard labor in development and programming. So, whereas those who are more business-oriented may find open source software blasphemous, users usually consider it a blessing from the computer gods.
How Does Open Source Software Lead to the Best Possible Software?
Open source software is released with the software’s source code so that users will not only understand how the software was developed, but can also apply alterations that can potentially improve the software and hence rerelease it. This is where the techie nerds come in—for those that prefer to play with software as opposed to playing sports or watching TV, open source software is their saving grace—and it is just as beneficial for those who enjoy the likes of free iPhone apps and free applications from CNet. It is often compared to user-generated content, in that the evolution of the program is user-based, which inevitably results in better quality, higher reliability, more flexibility, lower cost, and transparency in process.
Many organizations have been formed in response to this method of program development, primarily, the Open Source Initiative. According to the Open Source Initiative, the definition of open source software is contingent on the fulfillment of the Debian Free Software guidelines, which are as follows:
- The free distribution of developed software
- The inclusion of the software’s source code in distribution
- Allowing modifications and redistribution of the software
- Retaining the integrity of the initial source code as well as giving redistributions of the software a different name so that the initial developer or team of developers retains credit
- No discrimination against individuals, groups, or fields of endeavors (such as for research or commercial use)
- The software license needs to apply to all to whom the software is distributed, must not be specific to a product, must not restrict other software, and must be technology-neutral
The Open Source Software Initiative
The Open Source Software Initiative was founded in 1998 in California (where else?) as a public benefit corporation and is acknowledged as the organization responsible for reviewing and approving software as open source compliant. This organization also engages in community-building, education, and public advocacy pursuant to the dissemination of non-proprietary software. Representatives from the Open Source Initiative often convene with executives from both public and private sectors to discuss how open source technology and provide strategic and economic advantages.
Open Source Software in Politics
Barack Obama has already asserted his acceptance and support of open source software; news has it that the Chinese government has taken the initiative to promote open source software as well. In fact, the open source movement has been growing in China for some time. Many governments have been supporting the open source movement in their countries in order to bolster technological and software development. Open source software is quickly becoming as much a technological norm as proprietary software.
