Open source software: Overview, definition, and example
What is open source software?
Open source software refers to software that is made available to the public with a license that allows anyone to view, modify, and distribute the source code. This means that developers and users can freely access the code, improve upon it, and share it with others. Open source software is often developed collaboratively by a community of developers, and its source code can be freely modified and enhanced to meet specific needs.
For example, popular open source software like the content management system WordPress allows users to modify the software to fit their needs, whether for personal use or for developing websites for clients.
Why is open source software important?
Open source software is important because it provides businesses with a cost-effective and flexible alternative to proprietary software. It allows businesses to customize software solutions to better fit their specific needs and gives them control over how the software works. Additionally, open source software is often supported by a large community of developers, which can lead to continuous improvements, updates, and bug fixes.
For SMBs, using open source software can save money, improve operational flexibility, and allow for greater control over the technology that supports their business operations.
Understanding open source software through an example
Imagine your small business needs a customer relationship management (CRM) system. Instead of purchasing a proprietary CRM system with expensive licensing fees, you decide to use an open-source CRM, such as SuiteCRM. This software is free to use, and because it is open source, you can modify it to suit your business’s unique needs. For example, you might add custom features or integrations that would not be available in a proprietary CRM system.
In another example, your business might use an open source office suite like LibreOffice to handle word processing and spreadsheet tasks, saving costs on software licenses while benefiting from regular community-driven updates and improvements.
An example of open source software in action
Here’s how open source software might be referenced in a business context:
“The company utilizes WordPress, an open source software platform, for our website management. This allows our marketing team to customize the site to meet specific business goals and take advantage of a wide range of plugins developed by the open-source community.”
Conclusion
Open source software is a powerful tool for businesses that need customizable, cost-effective, and flexible technology solutions. By allowing users to view, modify, and distribute the software’s code, it empowers businesses to tailor software to their needs while benefiting from continuous improvements and a collaborative development community. For SMBs, using open source software can lead to significant cost savings and greater control over business operations.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.