10 Common Myths About Open Source Projects: Stop Living in the Stone Age and Go Open Source
The technology world is quickly evolving, but the top question remains – which one to opt for – open source or proprietary software. Well, open-source technology is not purely open source all the time these days.
And proprietary software companies buy open-source companies to run their open-source projects. Both open-source and proprietary models produce good products, but still, there are lots of myths surrounding open source projects which need to be debunked.
Let’s take a look at the most common myths about open source projects and software.
Myth 1. It’s All About Linux Versus Windows
Open-source is not about the face-off between Linux versus Windows, and it has much more to offer. Open source has a huge impact on the rise of the Internet, the rise of exciting and innovative technologies, rise of tech companies and businesses.
Linux has hardly anything to do in all of these cases. Well, if you are still of the notion that open source is synonymous only with Linux, then you are definitely living in the stone age of computing.
Myth 2. Open Source Software Costs No Money
The assumption is that no money is needed to use open-source software, and many users seek to use open-source products for that precise reason. But that’s not the case with open source all the time, as using open-source software requires access to the source code.
A vendor of a project can charge users for a software license, and the free part remains only in the aspect that users are free to access the source code and modify the same, adhering to the license terms.
Myth 3. Open Source Is Less Secure
As the source code can be accessed easily, it poses a risk also. Many open source enthusiasts think so, at least. But that’s not true. Vulnerabilities are present in both proprietary and open-source software.
Well, in open-source software, security issues can be discovered and fixed more easily. Necessary support is also provided to prevent, manage, detect and fix any security issue in an open-source software project.
Myth 4. Open-source Companies Do Not Own Their Intellectual Property
This is one more misconception about open-source software being subjected to similar copyright laws just like closed source software, but open-source software suppliers can share their IPs with others.
That’s how products are launched in a faster way in the markets, and no monopoly is allowed. The support services cannot be controlled by any organization, and this software is actually more cost-effective for customers.
Myth 5. Open Source and Cloud DAM Are Different
DAM systems are classified into one of three categories, open-source, proprietary, or closed source and software as a service or cloud. But the reality is that DAM systems can be both proprietary and open source.
DAM systems usually have cloud hosting options, and these can be implemented easily in the proper environment.
Myth 6. Open Source Is Harder to Maintain
If this myth came out true, then there would be no Linux till now. But Linux has actually grown stronger than ever.
Last year one of the most popular gaming distribution platforms, Valve’s Steam, was again an open-source project, which means maintenance of an open-source project is not at all a problem.
Myth 7. Open Source Is All About Infrastructure
Open-source technologies arrived first at the system level, and then they started supporting Cloud infrastructure services and platforms.
So open-source software is not only meant for infrastructure-related developments but has also been used for Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), marketing automation applications, and so on.
Myth 8. Open Source Technology Does Not Offer Professional-Level Support
Today the scene is completely different. Open-source providers offer professional support so that the software can be used in major global companies. The business model of open-source software largely depends on customer support services.
Myth 9. Open Source Is Not Enterprise-Grade
But the largest organizations across the globe are using open-source software these days, including Amazon, Google, IBM, Facebook, Twitter, Mcdonald’s, London Stock Exchange, New York Stock Exchange, Audi, BMW, and more so.
Myth 10. Open Source Is Created by Amateurs
A popular myth goes that open source software is being developed by amateurs or hobby-loving developers. Well, this is again a stone-age concept and definitely not the case in present times. Open-source vendors are increasing in large amounts as demands for this software are also increasing, resulting in more investment opportunities. Thus, open-source projects don’t lack professionalism at all.
In conclusion
These have been the most common misconceptions that people have about open-source software, but we hope that after reading our article, you feel confident enough to give open-source software a go.
Sanchari Banerjee, EFYTIMES News Network
