Open Source > Advantages
The Advantages Of Open Source Software
We believe that using Open Source Software gives a number of advantages over other types of software. The advantages include:
- Cost
Open Source Software is often distributed free. This means that the costs of software licenses can be better spent on development or support costs. - Support
Most pieces of Open Source Software are supported by large numbers of volunteers. Often a question posted to a mailing list will get a response within minutes. If there is a bug in the software then a fix will often be supplied within a few hours. - Transparency
Because you have access to the source code you can always find out exactly how a piece of code works. This allows you to develop your own software so it works seamlessly with whatever Open Source Software you are using. Or you can change the Open Source Software so that it integrates perfectly with your existing systems. You will no longer be tied into one company's idea about how your system should work. - Security
Open Source Software is usually developed by large teams of programmers collaberating over the Internet. This means that each line of code is seen by many people. This drastically reduces the chances of insecurities and bugs going unnoticed.