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Some of the benefits of Open Source software include high quality,
flexibility, stable code, cost savings and frequent incremental
releases. Disadvantages include uncertain release schedules and
dependence on the continued interest of a large community of
volunteers. There are many unnoticed advantages of this model such as
freedom to choose from different vendors, access across multi-vendor
environments, protection investment in existing computer system,
ability to use/share information anywhere in the world and
interoperability/portability across various platforms.

The concept of open source software (OSS) has become more than a mere
blip on the radar screens of IT professionals. However, the question
of whether open source is a viable, cost-effective system for
developing software for actual business applications has yet to be
answered.
To be certified as OSS, developers must follow the Open Source
Definition (www.opensource.org/osd). The Open Source Web site
(www.opensource.org) cites principles of the definition, including:

• Free Redistribution: No party can be restricted from selling or
giving away the software as a component of an aggregate software
distribution containing programs from several different sources. The
license may not require a fee for such sale.
• Source Code: The program must include source code and must allow
distribution. If some form of a product is not distributed with source
code, there must be a publicized means of obtaining the source code
for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost—preferably downloading
via the Internet without charge. The source code must be the preferred
form in which a programmer would modify the program. Deliberately
obfuscated source code is not allowed.
• Derived works: Modifications and derived works are allowed and can
be distributed under the same terms as the license of the original
software.
• Integrity of the Author's Source Code: Source code can be restricted
from distribution in modified form only if the license allows the
distribution of "patch files" with the source code for the purpose of
modifying the program at build time. Software built from modified
source code may be distributed but may be required to carry a
different name or version number from the original software.
• Distribution of License: The rights attached to the program must
apply to all users. No additional licenses are needed.
• License Must Not Be Specific To A Product: The rights attached to
the program must not depend on the program being part of a particular
software distribution.
• License Must Not Contaminate Other Software: No restrictions should
be placed on other software distributed with the licensed software.
For example, all other programs distributed on the same medium need
not be open source software.
Because of its wide-open management methods and unusual fee
structures, OSS, as a business model, seems to fly in the face of
conventional development wisdom. According to the Open Source
Initiative, the organization that maintains the Open Source
Definition, companies can make money with OSS using these four
business models:
• Support Sellers: Companies give away the software product but sell
distribution, branding, and after-sale service.
• Loss Leader: Companies give away open source as a loss leader to
establish market position for closed software.
• Widget Frosting: A hardware company goes open source to get better
and cheaper drivers and interface tools.
• Accessories: Companies sell accessories—books, compatible hardware,
and complete systems—with open source software pre-installed.

The possibility that OSS can be and, some would argue, is viable in a
business enterprise raises questions about how much it costs, what
support is available, and what training is required. All of these are
practical questions that IT professionals need to consider before
jumping into the open source system with both feet.