Open Source Software Advantages And Disadvantages

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Three decades before no one wondered of open source or free to air concept, but it came into existence almost then; two decades before. Yet debates transpire about its usefulness and disadvantages. However, mass percentile benefits from it as its affordable & highly customizable for innovation driven businesses. Open source software is fundamentally related to sharing and gaining wisdom from the communities. Open source, still gaining popularity compared to proprietary and it's burgeoning as more and more people are getting involved in modifying and gaining betterment in the code of softwares. We hear a lot about the benefits of open source. Slightly less often we see articles regarding proprietary software as a superior solution. Open…show more content…
Let's differentiate between the two considering advantages & disadvantages. Advantages of Open Source - Cost The main and primary advantage of open source software is the cost which is next to nothing The term "free" can be coined with overall cost and more to do with freedom from restrictions. The saved costing can be utilized upon several other things like infrastructure, building up speedy network etc. Proprietary softwares can be costly and tenured creating hindrance in organizational growth which is reduced in Open Source option. - Innovation Open source software tends to provide a mass amount of flexibility and freedom to alter software without any restriction. This flexibility brings closer other users to form communities and discuss further necessities, improvements and innovations. However, debates arouse whether customized alterations to the original source code can limit the future support and growth of the software, but it's just another side of the coin and doesn't affect the development of softwares. No restriction, helps users to come out with super innovations and ideas as a free hand makes it possible to twist and test softwares to the desired…show more content…
We can look at Microsoft, which sells operating systems, messaging programs, applications, etc. The payer gains full ownership of the software and can receive prompt updates, bug fixes and revised documentation as new product versions are released. -Usability Commercial, proprietary products may or may not be specifically designed with a minimal of features and abilities. Often tailored for large-scale enterprises with a plethora of features proprietary softwares are heavily priced. For proprietary softwares, usability is considered as a high selling point owing to expert usability testing keeping in mind more targeted audience. User manuals are furnished for immediate reference and quick training, and support team helps in further resolution of queries/doubts. -Support Quick and efficient support adds up to the favorable ingredient of proprietary softwares & products. Support may be inclusive of online chat, ticketing system, emailing and phone support. Additional troubleshooting guides and forums are made available for enhanced and active
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