|
The Pros and Cons of Open-Source Software
Thomas Trappler, Director of UCLA Software Licensing writes for Educause Quarterly about Is There Such a Thing as Free Software? The Pros and Cons of Open-Source Software. This excellent article discusses key issues such as when it makes sense to use OSS, managing OSS effectively, and making contributions to OSS projects. It’s a must-read for organizations thinking about choosing an open source solution.
“Today’s higher education environment is marked by heightened accountability and decreased budgets. In such an environment, no higher education institution can afford to ignore alternative approaches that could result in more effective and less costly solutions. Open-source software (OSS) can serve as a viable alternative to traditional proprietary software (PS), but to ensure that OSS is selected and deployed effectively requires:
* Understanding the OSS licensing model
* Knowing how to determine when it makes sense to use OSS
* Managing your OSS use effectively”
