Free and Open Source Software I Information Technology

Free and Open Source Software I Information Technology in Business and Society I

Free and Open Source Software • FOSS provides 4 types of freedom. • The most important one is to reach the source code. • Source code contains the information that enables the software to run. • It allows to modify the software, repair or enhance.

Free and Open Source Software • FOSS allows others to make modifications on the source code, so • This community promotes colloboration and sharing. • People can use those changes into their own projects.

Free and Open Source Software • “What drives Free/Open Source software (F/OSS) developers to contribute their time and effort to the creation of free software products? ” • That is the often asked question.

Free and Open Source Software • There are 2 types of motivation: – Intrinsic Motivation: It is doing an activity for its own satisfaction. • Enjoyment Based Motivation • “Project code is intellectually stimulating to write”

Free and Open Source Software – Extrinsic Motivation: this motivation comes from outside. • Possible job offers • Peer review • Improving skills

Free and Open Source Software • Open Source Business Models: – A large number of developers work together. – These developers spread to the world. – Linux vs Microsoft products – Apache (a program used to run Web sites) – Open Office

Open Source Business Models • The general aim of a firm is to generate revenue and reduce the costs. • Companies uses more and more FOSS to achieve the both objectives.

Open Source Business Models • FOSS creates cost reduction by reusing the existing code for their own projects. • The FOSS community develops the product and thus reduces the cost burden on the company.

Open Source Business Models • Some FOSS products are in great demand. • They create high revenues for the FOSS company. • The installation, training/certification, and ongoing technical assistance are supported by open source companies. – Red Hat Linux

Open Source Business Models • For the customers perspective, FOSS products provide similar services for a lower cost. • No issue of copyright, therefore no piracy • No issue of taxation.

Free and Open Source Softwares • The main reasons to use FOSS are: – Cost – Reliability – Security – Scalability – Time to Market

References • Feller et al (2005), Perspectives on Free and Open Source Software, MIT Press. • Christl, Arnulf, “Free and Open Source Business Models”, Open Source Approaches in Spatial Data Handling, Ch 2, 2008. • Getting the Most Out of Information Systems: A Manager's Guide (http: //2012 books. lardbucket. org/)