Open Source vs. Enterprise Solutions
- 2. Open Source The Open Source Initiative defines ten criteria Free Redistribution Source Code Derived Works Integrity of the Author’s Source Code No Discrimination Against Persons or Groups No Discrimination Against Fields of Endeavor Distribution of License License Must Not be Specific to a Product License Must Not Restrict Other Software License Must Be Technology-Neutral
- 3. Notable Open Source Solutions Evergreen www.open-ils.org ILS Linux www.linux.org Operating System Apache www.apache.org Server
- 4. Advantages of Open Source Price Most Open Source programs can be acquired for free Customization Programs can be customized by the user Open Source can accommodate very specific or niche requirements Non-Exclusive Rights No-one can restrict your use of the program No license restrictions or terms of service Software not bound to a single provider
- 5. Disadvantages of Open Source Technical Support No professional support staff High Level of Expertise Required Extra training required to modify source code Training Staff and Users Time and money spent familiarizing them with new programs
- 6. Enterprise Solutions Commercially-Developed Software Developed by large companies Created by Specialists Require specific training to modify Closed Architecture The user is not allowed to modify the source code Often bound by a number of restrictions on use
- 7. Notable Enterprise Solutions Endeca www.endeca.com ILS Microsoft Windows www.microsoft.com Operating System IBM Servers www.ibm.com Server
- 8. Advantages of Enterprise Software Large Support Structure Often 24/7 support lines Familiarity Users recognize Enterprise software Microsoft Office, etc. Well-Polished Big budgets and teams, lots of design work
- 9. Disadvantages of Enterprise Software High Cost Individual licenses Terms of Service Restrictions placed on how software can be used Bound to the vendor Specific Compatibilities Using one solution requires other specific software or hardware
- 10. Things to Consider “ Hidden Costs” of Open Source Time familiarizing users with new programs Time modifying source code Time fixing problems that arise Not so Hidden Costs of Enterprise Solutions Is it worth the expenditure? When is it Good Enough?
- 11. Conclusion Cost vs. Ease Know What Options Are Available There are many good Open Source solutions out there Decide which ones fit your situation