Five benefits of open source software

A growing community

The telecommunications industry and beyond is increasingly embracing open source software. Just this year, for example, the Linux Foundation established the LF Networking Fund (LFN) in an effort to host its many open source projects focused on developing an open telecom ecosystem under a single umbrella. These sorts of projects enable participants to make changes and potentially improve software code through a process known as upstreaming. This article explores the reasons several enterprises are adopting open source software.

Greater security

Open source software is usually more secure on account of having more people review the code for vulnerabilities. By having multiple people comb through the open source code, defects are less likely to slip through the cracks. In addition, glitches discovered in open source software are patched more quickly than those found in proprietary software.

Low cost

Open source solutions generally do not have licensing fees, which is particularly advantageous with respect to the total cost of launching a solution. It also helps reduce the cost of support changes, mandatory virus protection and continuous upgrades associated with proprietary software.

Interoperability

Open source software can also help enable interoperability. Since the code is open, users can make the required alterations for interoperability as they see fit. Additionally, open source software is often better at abiding by open source standards compared to proprietary software. The interoperability of successful open source projects also frees businesses from vendor lock-in.

General support

Open source software provides users with a great deal of support with a community working toward the common goal of updating and improving the code. Choosing an open source software solution gives customers access to a community through online forums, newsgroups, mailings lists, live support chat and more.

No upgrade push

Proprietary vendors push out a steady stream of upgrades for their software that don’t necessarily help their customers. While customers can choose not to upgrade, failing to do so makes their systems increasingly absolute. Open source software, by contrast, is not as resource intensive as proprietary software and can run on older hardware. This allows customers rather than vendors decide when they want to upgrade their software.