Open Source Systems

OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE is software like any other. However it is distinguished by its license, or terms of use, which guarantees certain freedoms, in contrast to closed proprietary software which restricts these rights. Open source software guarantees the right to access and modify the source code, and to use reuses and redistribute the software, all with no royalty or other costs. In some cases, there can be an obligation to share improvements with the wider community, thus guaranteeing global benefit. These, apparently simple guarantees, have powerful implications: Encourage reuse, Enable innovation, flexibility, easier integration, Drives down price of software to zero, No vendor or service monopoly means no reason to hide defects and security vulnerabilities, No single-vendor means diversity of support and services choice, sustained competition is a customer benefit, No vendor monopoly means no reason to avoid free and open standards, Darwinian evolution improves key software and Lower barriers to entry, widens participation.