Software Wars. The Open Source Awakens.
Ever since Richard Stallman started the GNU project in 1983, there have been ongoing debates in the tech world over the relative merits of Open Source versus proprietary software. There are a number of pros and cons stated for each position, not to mention the high volume of misconceptions associated with the topic.
For example, proponents of Open Source note that 2 of the most compelling arguments in favour of its use are:
- It’s cheaper and more flexible.
- The number of motivated, expert open source developers is vastly greater than proprietary software developers.
In the interview below, Marc Lijour, Director of Savoir-faire Linux outlines some of the benefits of using Open Source.
"Open Source has always been linked to innovation ..... collaboration, sharing, and knowledge transfer."
Marc Lijour
On the other hand, defenders of proprietary software argue that its benefits include:
· Transparency in pricing
· Dedicated support
· Strategic software updates
· Reduced risk
Of course, these days, a lot of software out there contains a mix of both proprietary and open source code. For example, Apple’s OS X operating system builds upon the open UNIX operating system, whereas the windowing system that drives the OS X GUI is not open source. Another example is carriers taking Google’s Android operating system source code to install on their authorized phones, which is legal but is not necessarily supported or maintained.
It is now becoming more common for proprietary vendors to actively embrace open source. There’s a growing spirit of collaboration and cooperation as more of them see the value of leveraging the open source model.
"With Open Source, start-ups don't have to start from scratch or re-invent the wheel ... they can focus on their core business"
Marc Lijour
This post barely scratches the surface of this topic. We at xiRADIO will be diving much deeper on May 18th, Noon EST for our next broadcast called:
"Software Wars. The Open Source Awakens"
Our expert panelists will include:
Anthony Behan -Telecommunications Industry Leader - IBM - Cork Ireland
Marc Lijour -Director - Savoir-faire Linux - Toronto Canada
Sanjay Kumar - General Manager -Hortonworks - Cupertino California
Namir Anani -President and CEO -I.C.T.C - Ottawa Canada
Hope you can join us!
Register Here