Open-source is cool. I get it. Not 'I see how Neo did' cool. Dig?
While Open Source software is free to use and pretty much offers itself as a flexible product (in terms of evading complex licensing issues and ensuring continuous improvement), there are some disadvantages of implementing an open-source that a company has to consider before making the decision. Since the premise of open-source software development is based on the absence of intellectual proprietary rights, developers and promoters of such software are predominantly unreliable when it comes to productivity (especially because the promoters/developers engaged here are emotionally driven - passion over money!).
Let's look at some of the pit-falls, aye?
ONE - Perpetual Vulnerability to attackers: Since the whole concept of open-source is based on collaborative efforts, the source code is pretty much available to any contributor. Though the expectation is for these users to 'contribute' by enhancing the product performance through error-detection and new features, there is a huge scope for malicious users to exploit the privilege by infecting the product with bugs which can be used for serious data breaches. This is not the case with proprietary software which are strengthened with strict security measures to evade any attacks or bugs.
TWO - Lack of responsibility: In case of proprietary or purchased software, the developing company can be held responsible for any bugs or damages caused to the buyer (depends on the contract/agreement of-course). Especially in case of B2B products, there is always access to a service team which can assist the client if something goes wrong with the product. With open-source products, it is not possible to turn to a specific team or an individual since it is developed by numerous people.
THREE - Requires dedicated-skilled resource: Open-source products are primarily more difficult to use compared to its commercial counterparts. For eg.: Though Linux is a great hit with servers, it has not yet made any mark on the desktop segment. The Linux UI is difficult to use compared to the user-friendly Windows or Mac OS. Using open-source software requires effective training which might be both time-consuming and expensive, leading to lower productivity. The bigger problem lies in partial knowledge of such open-source systems at work, potentially risking information security.
FOUR - No frequent updates: With the lack of real responsibility, developers/promoters are not bound to work on frequent updates of the software. There is a good possibility for a company to get stuck with the same product version for years and hence should not be considered for any commercial use, wherein business ride on the efficiency of the software. Individual users (non-business) can probably take that chance and choose to try these open-source codes without a lot riding on it.
FIVE - You are running a business, correct?
While Open Source software is free to use and pretty much offers itself as a flexible product (in terms of evading complex licensing issues and ensuring continuous improvement), there are some disadvantages of implementing an open-source that a company has to consider before making the decision. Since the premise of open-source software development is based on the absence of intellectual proprietary rights, developers and promoters of such software are predominantly unreliable when it comes to productivity (especially because the promoters/developers engaged here are emotionally driven - passion over money!).
Let's look at some of the pit-falls, aye?
ONE - Perpetual Vulnerability to attackers: Since the whole concept of open-source is based on collaborative efforts, the source code is pretty much available to any contributor. Though the expectation is for these users to 'contribute' by enhancing the product performance through error-detection and new features, there is a huge scope for malicious users to exploit the privilege by infecting the product with bugs which can be used for serious data breaches. This is not the case with proprietary software which are strengthened with strict security measures to evade any attacks or bugs.
TWO - Lack of responsibility: In case of proprietary or purchased software, the developing company can be held responsible for any bugs or damages caused to the buyer (depends on the contract/agreement of-course). Especially in case of B2B products, there is always access to a service team which can assist the client if something goes wrong with the product. With open-source products, it is not possible to turn to a specific team or an individual since it is developed by numerous people.
THREE - Requires dedicated-skilled resource: Open-source products are primarily more difficult to use compared to its commercial counterparts. For eg.: Though Linux is a great hit with servers, it has not yet made any mark on the desktop segment. The Linux UI is difficult to use compared to the user-friendly Windows or Mac OS. Using open-source software requires effective training which might be both time-consuming and expensive, leading to lower productivity. The bigger problem lies in partial knowledge of such open-source systems at work, potentially risking information security.
FOUR - No frequent updates: With the lack of real responsibility, developers/promoters are not bound to work on frequent updates of the software. There is a good possibility for a company to get stuck with the same product version for years and hence should not be considered for any commercial use, wherein business ride on the efficiency of the software. Individual users (non-business) can probably take that chance and choose to try these open-source codes without a lot riding on it.
FIVE - You are running a business, correct?
