You may know about open source software and how it is free to access. Open source software lets you use and change its source code for any purpose.
The fact that open source software is free to use is a positive, but there are many other great reasons your business should explore using open source software in 2022 and beyond. These include many points on how easy it is to use these programs and how you'll receive more support for whatever you use. You'll see when you look at the benefits of open source software why so many Fortune 500 companies use these programs.
More Support
The problem with many major software programs is that they are often filled with bugs. Some bugs can make it harder for you to use a program. Others could be dangerous by exposing your private information to others. The worst part is that it can take a while for these bugs to be fixed, as only a select few employees for a software company have access to the source code for the program.
Since the source code for an open source program is available to everyone, it is easier to fix those problems. Thousands of users and engineers can find and fix bugs and add new features or enhancements to the program as necessary. It is easier to ensure the security and stability of an open source program than it is for another program.
Open source programs are also more flexible, as developers can scale and adjust these items based on whatever new technologies or demands businesses hold for the work. There's no need to start a new program from scratch, as the developers can adapt different parts of the program to fit whatever unique needs a business may hold.
You can expect plenty of support when you use open source programs. A great example to note entails the Linux operating system. About 10,000 lines of code are added to Linux each day, meaning it is always being updated with new and more viable features.
A More Secure Approach to Software
The added support you will get from open source software ensures you'll receive help for whatever bugs or other concerns might appear. But there's more to open source security than you might expect, as the transparent nature of open source programs makes it easier for people to test the code to identify possible hacks and bugs. It is easier to resolve security concerns through enough testing, ensuring programs are safer to use before they are released to the public.
This benefit is greater than what you might expect from a proprietary software program. Major software companies often hide their codes out of fear that others will steal the content and use it for their programs, making their original products less valuable. But with an open source option, you'll have access to everything surrounding something that requires help for work.
Easier to Control
Some software companies will stop supporting older programs after a while. They often do this to get people to migrate to newer programs the developers feel might be better or more effective, but it's often for the software developer to earn more revenue. But you won't have to bear with this hassle with open source software. Your business can keep using a program without having to upgrade or change its version if you're comfortable with what you have now. The software will also keep staying operational as long as enough engineers are still working on the program, but older versions will always be open for download if you prefer.
Many Platforms Work In the Open Source Field
It's easy to find a software program that works with a platform you can support when you review the open source market. The Linux, OpenStack, Apache, PHP, and Ceph platforms are useful for open source programs. You can also use the Android or Apache Cordoba setups for mobile development.
The open standard nature of open source programs allows them to connect with many devices and computers over many platforms. People will have an easier time sharing data with one another because their content is easier to read on more items.
Other Cost Benefits
The ability to get open source software for free is already a positive, but it's not the only cost benefit around. You also won't require license fees for open source programs in most cases. Some programs will require license fees, but they may be more flexible and affordable than what you'd get from proprietary software programs. You may also be able to install your program on as many computers as you wish without spending extra on further licenses.
The cost of adjusting an open source program to find your business' needs can also be less than you expect. You can complete all adjustments in-house, or you can freelance the work.
Works For Legacy Programs
Businesses that use legacy programs or technologies might have a rough time finding software programs that fit their needs. The cost of acquiring new technologies and systems to replace the legacy ones might be a challenge to manage.
With open source programs, a business can request a developer to find an adaptive solution to allow a program to work on a legacy system. The effort makes these legacy items more effective, keeping a business from spending more money than it can afford on updates.
Ideal For Every Use
The last reason your business should explore open source software in 2022 entails how open source programs are diverse in how they operate and work. You can find a thorough array of programs that fit every need in your business. The Libre Office series of programs can work instead of Microsoft Office solutions, for example. You could also use Evolution as a replacement for Outlook. The odds are there's a convenient and free open source choice for whatever you're trying to do for your business.
A Smart Choice
Take note of what you can do with open source software if you're looking for a solution for your business in 2022 and beyond. Open source choices are more than affordable. They're also easier to manage and safer to use than proprietary options that aren't always willing to share their code.